World Cup 2023, Match 39 | Australia Predicted XI vs Afghanistan

image-lomz33zlAustralia will be up against Afghanistan in the 39th match of the World Cup 2023 (Source: AP Photos)

Australia and Afghanistan will face off in the 39th match of the ongoing 2023 World Cup at Mumbai's renowned Wankhede Stadium. Both teams are eyeing to secure the semi final spot and one heck of a contest awaits us. The play is set to commence at 2:00 PM IST.

Afghanistan has had a memorable campaign. This has been Afghanistan's best ICC tournament in the country's history. They are in sixth place with eight points in their bucket. They are tied with New Zealand and Pakistan in terms of points. The Atalans have won four of their previous five games, including a hat-trick of victories. They have trounced the likes of England, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Netherlands so far.

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Australia began the tournament with two losses to India and Australia. They pulled their socks up just in time, though, and are now on a five-match winning streak. A victory over Afghanistan ensures their place in the semi-finals. Currently, they are positioned just below South Africa at the third position in the points table with ten points from seven matches. 

A victory against Afghanistan will cement a position in the semi final of the ongoing World Cup. So, let us see what their predicted XI may sound like against Afghanistan.


Openers: David Warner and Travis Head

Australia forged a dynamic opening pair in David Warner and Travis Head. The left-handed duo seems to be catching up the tag team of Matthew Hayden and Adam Gilchrist pair in terms of explosive batting. 'The Bull' is the leading run-getter of Australia in the World Cup 2023. He racked up 428 runs from seven innings that includes two centuries. His partner, Travis Head made the cut for the playing XI against New Zealand after recuperating from injury. He smashed a ton right away in that match and cemented his position at the top of the order.


Middle Order: Mitchell Marsh, Marnus Labuschagne and Josh Inglis

Mitch Marsh did fly back home for personal reasons before their recent game against England. But the good news is that he is back and is available for the clash against the Atalans. He will be an important member of the team with the bat at no.3.

Marnus Labuschagne has been brilliant with the bat and could bat at no.4. There were speculations that he could be dropped if Glenn Maxwell and Marsh came back but in a recent development Steve Smith was seen in discomfort and hence Labuschagne may retain his spot. Smith was suffering from vertigo symptoms and was seen in discomfort during the practice session in Wankhede.

Josh Inglis has been yet another name who played some impactful knocks for Australia. He has brilliant with the gloves that forced the management to bench Alex Carey.


All-rounders: Glenn Maxwell and Marcus Stoinis

Glenn Maxwell suffered a freakish accident while playing golf. He suffered a concussion but is fit to play now. Maxwell scored the fastest century in World Cup a couple of weeks back and took the cricketing stage by storm. He will be also important with his finger spin bowling.

Marcus Stoinis is likely to retain his spot ahead of Cameron Green. It is not just because of his experience but the variation he provides to the team. Stoinis has some cutters in his armoury that could deceive the batters. He is also one of the finishers of the team and can take on the pacers on his day.


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

Australian pace attack is one of the most settles in the world. Mitchell Starc is going to add the left-arm pace variety. Josh Hazlewood bagged a three-fer against India at the start and can adapt to conditions quickly with his ability to hit the correct lines consistently.

The skipper Pat Cummins has improved with every match and has taken the role in the middle overs. He has had an upper hand in assisting Adam Zampa during the second powerplay. The wrist spinner is the leading wicket-taker for the tourney with 19 wickets from seven matches. Zampa is one of the main reasons behind Australia's last five success.


Australia predicted XI against Afghanistan

David Warner, Travis Head, Mitch Marsh, Marnus Labuschagne, Glenn Maxwell, Josh Inglis (wk), Marcus Stoinis, Pat Cummins (c), Mitchell Starc, Adam Zampa,  and Josh Hazlewood.