Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai (Twitter)
The iconic Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai plays host to another critical ICC World Cup 2023 league stage encounter between Australia and Afghanistan on Tuesday (November 7). The five-time world champions Aussies take on their rising spirited Afghan counterparts in a must-win clash with a place in the semifinals at stake.
Enjoying a spectacular five-match winning streak since losing consecutive games at the start of their campaign, Australia stand one step away from cementing their spot in the knock-outs of another ICC event, historically known for peaking at the business end of a world tournament to bag the ultimate prize.
Standing in their way, however, is an Afghanistan side after an inspirational run into the fag end of the World Cup. With victories against England, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Netherlands keeping their dream alive, the Afghans would believe they can upstage the mighty Aussies in what would be the toughest test of their resources and depth at the Wankhede.
Wankhede Stadium Mumbai Ground Stats
The ground conditions at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai makes it Afghanistan's litmus test to keep the Australians at bay. A spin-oriented side that depends on the calmness and the solidity of its top 4 on the batting front, the Asian giantkillers will be tested with pace and bounce on a Mumbai pitch that tends to see the ball fly around for high-scoring matches.
| Wankhede Stadium Ground Stats | |
|---|---|
| Highest Team Total | 438/4 by South Africa vs India |
| Lowest Team Total | 115 by Bangladesh vs India |
| Total Matches | 26 |
| Team won batting 1st | 14 |
| Team won batting 2nd | 12 |
| Average runs per over | 5.11 |
| Average runs per wicket | 32.10 |
| Average total batting 1st | 257 |
Steep bounce and hint of lateral movement in an otherwise batting paradise are elements that decisively favour the Pat Cummins-led Aussies. In similar conditions in Delhi, they had battered and bruised the Dutchmen for a daunting total of 399 and have been regularly posting strong totals during their winning juggernaut.
Even though the Afghans boast of a higher challenge than that, Australia are huge favourites to clinch victory in this one. Expect them to end Afghanistan's fairytale campaign and book a place in the knock-outs of the ICC World Cup 2023.
 "Kashish Chadha")
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