In order to sustain their progress towards the elimination phases, Australia will face Bangladesh, an opponent that has already been eliminated from contention for semi-final positions.
Date and venue
Saturday 11 November, MCA International Stadium, Pune
Summary
Australia, which has won its last six matches in a succession at the World Cup, will be looking to make it seven in a row before next week’s semi-final against South Africa.
Although that matchup may already be assured, Australia should not underestimate Bangladesh, as they will look to carry even more momentum into the winner-takes-all encounter with the Proteas.
Openers David Warner and Travis Head, who were omitted from the previous match against Afghanistan, will be motivated to amass a substantial total. Additionally, Adam Zampa, who is in fine form and could take another major haul, is intrigued by the prospect of becoming the tournament’s leading wicket-taker.
Although Bangladesh is not in contention for a semi-final berth, a victory in this match would bring them one step closer to securing qualification for the ICC Champions Trophy in 2025.
However, their mission will not be simple, as inspirational captain Shakib Al Hasan is incapacitated with a finger injury and substitute captain Najmul Hossain Shanto will have to perform admirably in his place.
Squads
Australia squad: Pat Cummins (c), Steve Smith, Alex Carey, Josh Inglis, Sean Abbott, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Marnus Labuschagne, Mitch Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, David Warner, Adam Zampa, Mitchell Starc.
Bangladesh squad: Najmul Hossain Shanto (c), Litton Kumer Das, Tanzid Hasan Tamim, Anamul Haque, Tawhid Hridoy, Mushfiqur Rahim, Mahmudullah Riyad, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Nasum Ahmed, Shak Mahedi Hasan, Taskin Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman, Hasan Mahmud, Shoriful Islam, Tanzim Hasan Sakib.
Key players
Australia – Glenn Maxwell
The Australian all-rounder is in imperious form and his amazing double-century against Afghanistan in Mumbai only showed the impact he can have when on song.
Maxwell smashed an unbeaten 201* from just 128 deliveries and looks like being Australia’s wildcard during the closing stages of the World Cup as they chase an unprecedented sixth title.
Bangladesh – Litton Das
As fellow veteran Shakib Al Hasan is ruled out of this match with an injury, it will be Das’ responsibility to provide the youthful Bangladesh side with the necessary leadership and direction.
Das, who has scored 248 runs at an average of 31 so far in his World Cup career, has had a relatively subdued campaign. The 29-year-old will be eager to conclude on a high note against the formidable Australia attack.
