After Glenn Maxwell’s stunning unbeaten 201 secured an unlikely victory against Afghanistan, Australia would be eager to extend their unbeaten streak to seven wins when they face a depleted Bangladesh in an inconsequential ICC Cricket World Cup league stage game.
The match, scheduled at Maharashtra Cricket Association (MCA) Stadium in Pune on November 11, offers Australia an opportunity to fine-tune their strategy ahead of the crucial semi-final against South Africa. The Bangladesh lineup, in the absence of Shakib Al Hasan – ruled out of the tournament with a fractured finger – will need exceptional performances from the players to compete against an assertive Australian team.
Following a batting collapse against Afghanistan, key batters like David Warner, Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh, Steve Smith, and Marnus Labuschagne will need to bring their A-game against Bangladesh. If they deliver their best on Saturday, it could spell disaster for Bangladesh’s bowlers. Australia’s skipper, Pat Cummins, leads the bowling unit, and will be determined to erase the memories of Ibrahim Zadran’s onslaught. Adam Zampa, with his knack for breakthroughs, will play a crucial role alongside Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, Cummins, Marcus Stoinis, and the versatile Glenn Maxwell.
Contrastingly, Bangladesh are playing for pride and qualification for the 2025 Champions Trophy. Despite a recent win against Sri Lanka, the absence of Shakib weakens the team significantly. In the previous game, he showcased his skills, earning the player of the match award. With Shakib absent, both the bowling and batting departments appear weaker, placing the onus on other players to step up against Australia.
Najmul Hossain Shanto, leading Bangladesh in Shakib’s absence, will rely on Litton Das, Mahmudullah, and Mushfiqur Rahim to shore up the batting lineup. However, they face the formidable challenge of negotiating the new-ball duo of Starc and Hazlewood, along with countering the spin threat posed by Zampa.
Time and Venue Details
November 11, 10:30 AM IST, Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium, Pune.
Expected conditions
Cloudy skies are anticipated over Pune on November 11, potentially creating challenging batting conditions. Batsmen will need to emphasise rotating the strike and maintaining a steady scoring pace. Teams batting first will likely aim for a score exceeding 300 runs under these circumstances.
Possible XIs
If Steve Smith is fit and available for selection, he will replace Marcus Stoinis.
Australia: Travis Head, David Warner, Mitchell Marsh, Steve Smith/Marcus Stoinis, Marnus Labuschagne, Josh Inglis (wk), Glenn Maxwell, Pat Cummins (c), Mitchell Starc, Adam Zampa, Josh Hazlewood.
Mahedi Hasan is likely to come in place of Shakib as the only change in the Bangladesh lineup.
Bangladesh: Tanzid Hasan, Litton Das, Najmul Hossain Shanto (c), Mushfiqur Rahim (wk), Mahmudullah, Towhid Hridoy, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Mahedi Hasan, Tanzim Hasan Shakib, Taskin Ahmed, Shoriful Islam.
Matchup
Zampa vs Mushfiqur: The player tussle to watch centres around Zampa, Australia’s proven wicket-taker in the middle-overs, and Mushfiqur, known for his adept spin-playing skills within the Bangladesh team. This duel promises to be a key highlight during the match.
Team Speak
“To play four World Cups – one guy is five, I think, is it? Mushfiqur and Shakib played five. So, it’s wonderful, I mean, anyone playing or start playing cricket and dreaming of playing five. And they have been the best of Bangladesh cricket in the short journey of Bangladesh cricket. If they decide to quit, It’s a change of baton kind of thing for Bangladesh cricket” – Chandika Hathurasingha, Bangladesh coach.
“Glenn Maxwell will no doubt inspire a new generation with some outrageous shots…That’s the beauty about the game, and he stretched the boundary as did AB de Villiers and Ricky Ponting in their time as well.” – Andrew McDonald, Australia coach.