ICC World Cup 2023, AUS vs NZ | Five Player Battles To Watch Out For
Australia vs New Zealand promises to be a fascinating contest
The iconic Trans-Tasman rivalry is set to reignite on Saturday, October 28, as Australia squares off against New Zealand in what promises to be an enthralling Match 27 of the ICC World Cup 2023 at the HPCA Stadium in Dharamsala.
AUS vs NZ: Players battles to watch out for
Amidst the escalating race for the semifinals, Australia, buoyed by their recent victories against Sri Lanka, Pakistan, and the Netherlands, are set to challenge their time-tested adversaries, the BlackCaps. These wins have breathed new life into the Aussie campaign, which had earlier witnessed setbacks against heavyweights India and South Africa.
In contrast, the Kiwis, despite their unbeaten streak being ended by the hosts, India, in their recent encounter, have showcased commendable performances in their preceding conquests over England, Netherlands, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan. Their form will undoubtedly be vital in their tussle with the resurgent Australians.
With the AUS vs NZ match on the horizon, here’s a look at the top five AUS vs NZ player battles.
David Warner vs Matt Henry
David Warner (Twitter)
In powerplays, David Warner, with his explosive style will be up against the incisive seam and swing of New Zealand's Matt Henry. Having scored 90 runs off 87 deliveries from Henry's bowling, Warner has had his moments. However, the underlying story is Henry's consistent knack for taking Warner's wicket, dismissing him four times. The psychological game is intense: Warner, with his strike rate of 103.4 against Henry, will be eager to stamp authority early on, while Henry, knowing his past successes, will aim to exploit any chink in Warner's armour.
Devon Conway vs Josh Hazlewood
Devon Conway (Twitter)
Devon Conway's technique and temperament will be tested against the metronomic accuracy of Josh Hazlewood. The numbers reveal a story of containment, with Conway managing only 10 runs from 35 deliveries. Hazlewood's ability to hit a consistent line and extract subtle movement has previously stifled Conway, as evidenced by his low strike rate of 28.6. The southpaw will undoubtedly be aware of this as he will strategize to counter Hazlewood's probing lengths while not letting him settle into a rhythm.
Mitchell Marsh vs Trent Boult
Trent Boult (Twitter)
Trent Boult's swinging deliveries, especially the inswinger to the right-handers, will be at the forefront of Mitchell Marsh's mind. Marsh has shown resilience, scoring 27 runs off 56 balls against Boult, but the key aspect is the looming threat of Boult's swing. Marsh's strike rate of 48.2 indicates the respect he accords to Boult. This contest is less about runs and more about the battle of nerves, especially during the early phases of Marsh's innings.
Glenn Maxwell vs Mitchell Santner
Glenn Maxwell (Twitter)
The audacious Glenn Maxwell is set to ignite fireworks, especially after his record-breaking World Cup century against the Netherlands. Facing the spin of Mitchell Santner, Maxwell has been slightly cautious, notching 21 runs from 26 balls. Santner, having dismissed him once, knows the importance of keeping Maxwell quiet. But with a strike rate of 80.8, Maxwell's approach, especially against spin in the middle overs, will determine the momentum of Australia's innings.
Daryl Mitchell vs Adam Zampa
Adam Zampa (Twitter)
Riding high on confidence after his scintillating century against India, Daryl Mitchell will be ready to combat the leg-spin of Adam Zampa. Their past encounters show Mitchell's approach of playing Zampa on merit, scoring 19 runs from 26 deliveries. Zampa, with his bag of tricks, has outfoxed Mitchell once. Mitchell's strategy against Zampa's variations, given his average of 19.0 and a strike rate of 73.1, will be an exciting contest in the middle overs.
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