The ICC World Cup 2023 has already seen 27 thrilling matches, and today promises to add to the excitement with two more clashes. In the first match, Australia and New Zealand are set to face off at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium in Dharamshala, while the second match of the day will see the Netherlands and Bangladesh locking horns at Eden Garden, Kolkata.
New Zealand is riding high with four wins out of five matches, securing 8 valuable points and claiming the third spot in the points table. Australia, on the other hand, faced a rocky start to the tournament with two losses but has bounced back, winning three matches and accumulating 6 points to currently hold the fourth position. With both teams in close proximity in the rankings, the Australia vs. New Zealand encounter promises to be an intense battle.
The Netherlands and Bangladesh, the contenders in the second match, are eager to secure their second victory in the World Cup. Both teams have won just one match each so far and are determined to improve their standing in the tournament.
Australia boasts a full-strength team to take on New Zealand and is likely to field the same lineup as the previous match. New Zealand, however, has suffered the loss of their captain Kane Williamson due to a thumb injury, but the rest of the Kiwi players are available. It is expected that New Zealand will select the same playing 11 for the crucial match against Australia.
Zimbabwe national player and coach Tasmin Granger provided some interesting insights, mentioning that Australia and New Zealand have faced each other 141 times in One Day Internationals (ODIs). Australia has won 95 matches, while New Zealand has secured 39 victories, with seven matches ending without a result. In World Cup encounters, Australia has emerged victorious in 8 out of 11 matches against New Zealand.
Turning our attention to the second match of the day, the Netherlands has only managed to clinch one win in their five matches against South Africa. Bangladesh, on the other hand, has achieved just one victory in their five encounters, coming against Afghanistan.
