You don't write off Australia. Not in bilateral series, and most definitely not in ICC tournaments. Afghanistan learnt this the hard way on Tuesday night as 'Big Show' Glenn Maxwell constructed arguably one of the best ODI innings ever to lift the Aussies from 91/7 to the most improbable three-wicket win you can ever hope to see. Consequently, the five-time champions have sealed their semi-final spot in ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 and their last league game against Bangladesh in Pune on Saturday, November 11, will be more about fine-tuning their collective effort than a desperate bid to win. (Match Blog | Streaming | Preview | Scorecard)
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That doesn't mean, however, that Pat Cummins' men will not come hard at the Bangla Tigers. After their gobsmacking victory in the previous game, Australia have become one of the most dangerous teams in the competition and will be on the radar of hosts India, who have been unbeaten so far. The Aussies would look to iron out flaws in specific departments, and also to sustain the momentum they have built in the previous few games.
As for Bangladesh, who have been knocked out of contention for a semi-final berth, the game assumes importance in their endeavour to confirm a spot in ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Bangladesh are currently placed eighth in the points table, and would want to eke out an unlikely win on Saturday to solidify their chances. It will be a daunting task, though, as their skipper Shakib Al Hasan will miss the game due to a fractured left index finger.
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With that, here's a look at three key battles that could shape the result of the AUS vs BAN game at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium:
David Warner Vs Mehidy Hasan Miraz
Despite a slow start to the World Cup, Australia's veteran opener David Warner has lit up the stage with two consecutive centuries and a half-century. The diminutive southpaw first showed simply how dangerous he can be in ICC tournaments with a blockbuster knock of 163 against Pakistan. He then followed it up with a sparkling 93-ball 104 against Netherlands and a 65-ball 81 against New Zealand. The explosive batter will face an interesting challenge from Bangladesh all-rounder Mehidy Hasan Miraz, who is his team's leading wicket-taker currently with 10 scalps. Miraz's off-spin could turn out to be an antidote to Warner's big hitting.
Mohammad Mahmudullah Vs Adam Zampa
Bangladesh's middle-order batter Mohammad Mahmudullah has been their top-scorer so far with 296 runs at a healthy average of 59.20, and smashed a century against South Africa. He will again have the responsibility of anchoring the innings and setting up a good platform for the final onslaught. But for that, he will have to surmount the supreme challenge of Aussie leggie Adam Zampa, who is relishing the Indian conditions and performing spectacularly. Zampa has picked up 20 wickets in the tournament already, including three four-wicket-hauls in a row. Will he dismantle the Bangla middle-order too, or can Mahmudullah find a way against him? We will soon find out.
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Litton Das Vs Josh Hazlewood
Bangladesh opener Litton Das has the propensity to cause headaches for opposition new-ball bowlers with his unfettered strokeplay and flair. Though he has not really exploded so far, the right-hander has notched up 248 runs in the tournament and would be looking to make a bigger mark on Saturday. But he will have his task cut out against the right-arm pace of Josh Hazlewood, who is known for his immaculate line and length. Hazlewood has picked up 12 wickets thus far and is unlikely to give Das much width to cut, which will make it fascinating contest.
