World Cup 2023, Match 27 | Australia Predicted XI vs New Zealand

image-lo8gad3xAustralia will be playing New Zealand in the 27th match of the World Cup 2023 (Source: AP Photos)

Australia and New Zealand, the 2015 Cricket World Cup finalists, will face off in Match 27 of the ongoing 2023 World Cup. The Trans-Tasman rivalry game will take place on Saturday at 10:30 a.m. IST at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium in Dharamsala. 

New Zealand had been the competition's dominant side until they faced the hosts. The Kiwis were on top of the table until their defeat against India. Currently, they have eight points from four games and are situated at the third position just behind South Africa. 

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Australia, on the other hand, appears to have peaked at the correct time. They began their World Cup campaign with back-to-back defeats against nations they had previously faced in bilateral series. The Kangaroos were defeated by India in the competition's opener in Chennai, followed by a hammering at the hands of South Africa. 

Australia now is in fourth place in the points table with six points after five matches. Their pacers have done well in areas, but Adam Zampa's ability to take wickets in the middle overs has been one of the turning points for the team. With rumours around Travis Head's availaibility, it will be seen how the Aussies form their XI against New Zealand. So, let us have a quick glance at Australia's predicted XI against the Kiwis.


Openers: David Warner and Mitch Marsh

Australian openers- David Warner and Mitch Marsh is nothing short of a destruction when they get going. The former has been in scintillating form at the moment. He is coming off back-to-back centuries and is the leading run-getter for the Aussies in the tournament. He has scored 515 runs in his last 10 matches. His partner, Marsh has been in decent touch as well. 'The Bison' scored a fifty against Sri Lanka and followed it with a ton against Pakistan.

Although there are rumours that Travis Head could return back to the side against New Zealand. But from an Australian point of view, they are peaking at the right time and should not tinker their winning combination.


Middle Order: Steve Smith, Marnus Labuschagne and Josh Inglis

The Australian middle order is packed with some sole anchorers in the form of Steve Smith and Marnus Labuschagne. Both batters have found their shape well and have scored runs in recent times. They have scored 70-plus in their latest game against Netherlands where Australia racked up 399 runs.

Josh Inglis has been a revelation in the middle order. He replaced Alex Carey and played some impactful knocks in the middle order for Australia. He will retain his position.


All-rounders: Glenn Maxwell and Cameron Green

There were talks about Glenn Maxwell's form with the bat but the Big Show shut the critics by notching up the fastest century in World Cup history against Netherlands. He blew 106 runs off just 44 balls that saw nine fours and eight sixes. Maxwell is also their next best spinner after Adam Zampa and has a huge role to play with the cork in hand.

Australia may continue with Cameron Green in the XI. They have plenty of choice for this spot such as Marcus Stoinis, Sean Abbott. But it would be harsh on Green if he's not given proper game time and so, the tall all-rounder could get another chance to showcase his potential at the grand stage.


Bowlers: Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Adam Zampa and Josh Hazlewood

Australia have a set pair of bowlers that work well for them in the white ball format. The trio of Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood cover all the bases in their bowling department. Cummins is getting better with each match while Starc and Hazlewood have been more than decent throughout the competition. The three pacers areijeltnto get help with the new ball and will be key for Australia.

Barring the pacers, Adam Zampa's form has been one of the best thing for Australia. Zampa struggled for a couple of matches but he got the better and peaked at the right time. Currently, he has 13 wickets from five matches and will be pivotal for Australia.


Australia Predicted XI vs New Zealand

David Warner, Mitch Marsh, Steve Smith, Marnus Labuschagne, Josh Inglis (wk), Glenn Maxwell, Cameron Green, Pat Cummins (c), Mitchell Starc, Adam Zampa, and Josh Hazlewood.