World Cup 2023, AUS vs BAN | Playing 11 Prediction, Cricket Tips, Preview & Live Streaming

Australia take on Bangladesh in Pune (Twitter)

Australia take on Bangladesh in a rare dead rubber final league stage fixture in an otherwise gripping ICC World Cup 2023 in Pune on Saturday (November 11). Stormed into the semifinals, five-time champions strive to flex their muscles past the struggling Bangla Tigers, for whom it's far from an inconsequential game. 

Bangladesh's dreams of making a first World Cup semifinal appearance may have entirely vanished after enduring a horrific campaign but the Asian rivals are back in contention to secure qualification for the Champions Trophy 2025 in Pakistan. 

With a close-fought victory in their last match, Bangladesh climbed up to the critical eighth spot in the points table with a better NRR than Sri Lanka and the Netherlands. They need to either upstage the mighty Aussies or make sure the defeat isn't heavy in order to retain the final qualification slot. 

For Australia, it's a chance to twist the semifinal equation. Placed third right now, they could rise up to the second spot with a big win over Bangladesh provided in an earlier game the spirited Afghanistan side gives the second-placed South Africans a hard time in Ahmedabad. 

AUS vs BAN: Team Previews 

Australia 

For all their consecutive victories, the Australians would be aware they have played rather scratchy cricket in the tournament up until this point. Known historically for peaking at the business end of the World Cup, the Aussies would dearly love to start with the Bangladesh face-off in Pune. 

Maxwell's heroics won Australia the game vs Afghanistan [AP]

Pat Cummins-led side stood one quick wicket from enduring their worst ever upset in the competition history against Afghanistan and will know they were bailed out of the jail by a timeless classic from Glenn Maxwell, who may not be able to replicate his memorable assault ever again. 

Australia need a stronger allround display to feel more confident heading into the knock-outs where they could well be facing their bogey opposition South Africa for a place in the World Cup semifinal. 

Bangladesh 

The loss of captain and premier allrounder Shakib Al Hasan to injury is Bangladesh's worst headache leading into the Australia encounter. Desperate for another victory to secure a Champions Trophy berth, it's the last match-up where they would've wanted Shakib to be ruled out. 

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It means Najmul Hasan Shanto, who had led Bangladesh against India in Pune in Shakib's absence, will lead the side again at the MCA Stadium in Maharashtra, whose steep bounce and hint of lateral movement in an afternoon game could pose a huge challenge for Tigers' batting unit. 

Bangladesh defeated Sri Lanka in the last game [AP]

The Asian giant-killers' best chance to win lies with a slender hope that the otherwise high-paced ground would offer a touch of grip and turn to their spinners at the fag end of the competition as it would bring the par scores down and therefore bridge the big gap between the two sides. 

AUS vs BAN: Match Details & Live Streaming

AUS vs BAN: Pune Pitch Report

The ground conditions at the MCA Stadium in Pune have always tilted the scales in favour of the batters. Rising bounce without sufficient movement off the surface paves the way for high stroke-making, which results in frequent fours and sixes at the ground. In a day match, there might be certain wear and tear, but not substantial enough for spinners to rule the roost at any stage. 

AUS vs BAN: Probable Playing XIs

Australia: Travis Head, David Warner, Mitchell Marsh, Marnus Labuschagne, Josh Inglis (wk), Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, Pat Cummins (c), Mitchell Starc, Adam Zampa, Josh Hazlewood

Bangladesh: Tanzid Hasan, Litton Das, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Mushfiqur Rahim (wk), Mahmudullah, Shakib Al Hasan (c), Towhid Hridoy, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Taskin Ahmed, Shoriful Islam

AUS vs BAN: Cricket Exchange Fantasy Tips

AUS vs BAN: Winner Prediction

Australia may have not played their best cricket in the World Cup 2023 so far but shall pack a decisively strong punch against Bangladesh. Expect Cummins & company to dominate the fixture in Pune and enter the semifinals round with greater steam and strength about them. 

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