Australia will take on New Zealand on Saturday [AP]
The Trans-Tasman rivalry resumes on Saturday (October 28) with the much-anticipated Australia versus New Zealand league stage encounter of the ICC World Cup 2023 in Dharamshala.
As the battle for semifinal contention intensifies, the Aussies take on their historic on-field foes, BlackCaps, in a heated clash amidst the calming scenes of the HPCA Stadium.
Australia arrive for the critical fixture on the back of three consecutive wins over Sri Lanka, Pakistan and the Netherlands, standing resurrected as a unit after a disappointing start to the tournament with defeats against India and South Africa.
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New Zealand's winning streak may have been put to the end by tournament hosts India in the last match but their form and allround depth evident in previous wins against England, Netherlands, Bangladesh and Afghanistan shall come in really handy in the face-off with the Aussies.
AUS vs NZ: Team Previews
Australia
Five-time champions Australia seem to have finally regained their mojo at the World Cup. Pat Cummins and company made a horrific start with losses to two of their strongest oppositions, looking a pale show of their best self. However, a string of victories leading into the Kiwi clash would've revived the zeal and confidence one associates with the mighty Australians.
Glenn Maxwell hammered a blistering ton vs Netherlands [AP]
But one can't help but feel they are yet to pack their strongest punch and truly evoke the tournament contenders' tag. Aussies have an opportunity to do that versus New Zealand, a team they've historically battered and bruised at ICC events.
Since the pitch for the India-New Zealand game played slightly two-paced, Australia might rethink their bowling plans and consider giving Glenn Maxwell, their designated second spinner, a greater say in the contest alongside resurgent wrist-spinner, Adam Zampa.
New Zealand
For New Zealand, the balance would perfectly suit such a track. The BlackCaps have rallied along nicely in the tournament and adjusted seamlessly to varied surfaces in the presence of spin allrounders Rachin Ravindra and Mitchell Santner, who have combined brilliantly with the team's pace battery.
New Zealand lost their last game vs India [AP]
New Zealand have been able to ditch the idea of playing wrist-spinner Ish Sodhi purely because the Rachin-Santner duo has astutely covered for the spin department, with the added option of part-timer Glenn Phillips in the ranks.
If the track plays similar to the India game, what the Kiwis would want, though, is a more rounded display with the bat than the last match. Had they found more contributions at the other end to centurion Daryl Mitchell, New Zealand could've elevated their score post the 300 mark and given Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli a harder time in the middle with their bowling options.
AUS vs NZ: Match Details & Live Streaming
| Match Details | |
|---|---|
| Date | October 28, 2023 |
| Time | 10:30 PM IST |
| Venue | Dharamshala |
| Broadcast & Live Streaming | Star Sports, Disney+Hotstar |
AUS vs NZ: Dharamshala Pitch Report
The pitch at the HPCA Stadium presented a stark contrast to its historic nature for the previous game between India and New Zealand.
It played two-paced and offered spinners grip and turn, contrary to the traditional skiddiness and true bounce it provides to the seamers, aiding stroke-making for batters. If the track plays the same, expect a relatively low-scoring game which would bring the two contenders closer and prove to be an ideal ground for a riveting clash.
AUS vs NZ: Probable Playing XIs
Australia: David Warner, Mitchell Marsh, Steven Smith, Marnus Labuschagne, Josh Inglis (wk), Glenn Maxwell, Cameron Green, Pat Cummins (c), Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, Adam Zampa
New Zealand: Devon Conway, Will Young, Rachin Ravindra, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Latham (c & wk), Glenn Phillips, Mark Chapman, Mitchell Santner, Matt Henry, Lockie Ferguson, Trent Boult
AUS vs NZ: Cricket Exchange Fantasy Tips
| Roles | Players |
|---|---|
| Wicketkeepers | Tom Latham, Devon Conway, |
| Batters | David Warner, Mitchell Marsh, Daryl Mitchell, Marnus Labuschagne |
| Allrounders | Glenn Maxwell, Mitchell Santner, Rachin Ravindra |
| Bowlers | Trent Boult, Adam Zampa |
| Captain | Glenn Maxwell |
| Vice-captain | Daryl Mitchell |
AUS vs NZ: Winner Prediction
The BlackCaps may have enjoyed a better run leading into this game but have historically found their bogey opposition a challenge too stiff at ICC tournaments. Expect Australia to come out triumphant in this one and take a giant stride towards the knock-outs stage.
 "Kashish Chadha")
