Australia will lock horns against Bangladesh in the 43rd match of the ongoing World Cup 2023 at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium, Pune on Saturday in a day game. Australia has qualified for the semifinals whereas Bangladesh was the first team to get eliminated but the Tigers will have a lot to play as Champions Trophy qualification is on the line.
Bangladesh has a better NRR than Sri Lanka and the Netherlands and they can definitely end as a top-eight team if they don’t lose by a huge margin against Australia.
On the other hand, Australia was able to seal their last-four berth after an unbelievable knock of 201 runs from Glenn Maxwell. From 91-7 and with a win probability of less than 1%, the all-rounder pulled off the most remarkable win of the ODI showpiece.
However, Australia will want more from their batting line-up. Steve Smith had missed the previous match due to vertigo and it will be interesting to note his availability.
Meanwhile, Shakib Al Hasan has been ruled out of the last league stage match for Bangladesh and Najmul Hossain Shanto will lead in his absence.
Australia will also want to keep up the winning impetus and enter the semifinal stage on a high. The Aussies have done a fine job with the bat but their fast bowlers have been a tad inconsistent.
Match Prediction: Australia will enter the contest as favorites against Bangladesh.
Australia squad: Pat Cummins (c), Steve Smith, Alex Carey, Josh Inglis, Sean Abbott, Marnus Labuschagne, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Mitch Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, David Warner, Adam Zampa, Mitchell Starc.
Bangladesh squad: Litton Kumer Das, Tanzid Hasan Tamim, Najmul Hossain Shanto (c), 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.
