AUS vs NZ Preview: The Trans-Tasman rivalry set to be ignited at the World Cup

The action will continue in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 as Australia will take on New Zealand in Match 27 of the tournament on Saturday, October 28 at Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium, Dharamsala. Australia are coming into the game on a winning note as they have won their last three fixtures against Sri Lanka, Pakistan and the Netherlands, with the last one being a gargantuan, NRR boosting 309-run triumph.

The Pat Cummins-led side is fourth on the points table with three wins from five matches having six points to their name. On the other hand, New Zealand are coming into the game having faced their first loss of the tournament against India in their previous fixture. They are ranked on the third spot on the points table with four wins from five matches having eight points to their name and have a strong position overall despite their winning streak being snapped against an on-song Indian team.

Australia have had an upper hand over New Zealand in ODI World Cup history as they have beaten them on eight occasions out of the 11 times the two teams have faced each other. The two teams got involved in a thrilling game in the 2015 edition where New Zealand emerged victorious by one wicket. The upcoming fixture will also prove to be another mouth-watering clash considering the recent form of both teams.

Pitch Report

There have been four matches played at the venue so far in the ongoing tournament where two each have been won by teams batting and bowling first. The average first-innings score in the last four games has been 260 while

the highest target chased is 274 by India in the last fixture. The captain winning the toss is likely to bat first as chasing has been a bit tough under lights at the venue.

Probable Playing XI