The 43rd match of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 will see heavyweights Australia take on Bangladesh at the MCA Stadium in Pune on Saturday.
This fixture will have little bearing on the semi-final race with Australia already through and Bangladesh out of contention. But the teams still have plenty to play for.
Australia will be aiming to finish at the second of the points table which brings an advantage in the knockouts. Bangladesh meanwhile can still qualify for the 2025 Champions Trophy if they can prevent a big margin loss in their last world cup match against the Aussies.
These two sides have historically been mismatched with Australia winning 19 of their 21 ODI meetings. Bangladesh’s only win came back in 2005. But the Tigers have made strides in recent years and will be keen to show they can compete with the best teams.
Australia will not take Bangladesh lightly as they aim to continue building momentum heading into the semi-finals. The Aussies are packed with match-winners while Bangladesh possess a few dangerous players too.
This will be the last World Cup match at the MCA Stadium which has seen some high-scoring thrillers. Hopefully the two teams can sign off from the venue in style by producing another entertaining contest.
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Bet on Bangladesh at odds 6.15 at 1xBet>> (Use 1xBet promo code BANGVIP for an exclusive offer.)
Australia Overview
Written off after their early World Cup losses, Australia have silenced critics with a dominant run of six wins in seven matches to seal a semi-final spot already.
Their turnaround has been built on the back of a formidable opening pair in David Warner and Travis Head. Both have struck centuries and several fifties, regularly providing 150+ starts to overwhelm bowling attacks.
Steve Smith’s return to form has further strengthened the batting along with the belligerence of Glenn Maxwell and Marcus Stoinis down the order. Legspinner Adam Zampa leads the wicket charts with 11 scalps already.
The Aussies seem to have all bases covered with both batting and bowling firing. Their only concern is the backup pacer options if Starc or Cummins are injured or rested. But their first-choice XI is gelling beautifully as a unit.
With confidence sky-high now, Australia will be targeting a win to finish atop the points table before the knockouts. Given the form of Warner and Zampa, they have to be favorites against Bangladesh too. But they can’t underestimate the Tigers who are playing for pride.
Bangladesh Overview
It’s been a disappointing World Cup campaign for Bangladesh who were the first team eliminated after just two wins in eight games.
Their struggles have been due to poor form from their senior players. Veterans like captain Shakib Al Hasan, Mushfiqur Rahim and Litton Das have failed to convert starts. The most senior batter Mahamudullah has been their leading run-getter with 296 runs.
In bowling, the absence of premier pacer Taskin Ahmed was felt initially. Spinners Shakib and Mehidy Hasan have been economical but lack penetration on batting wickets. Mustafizur Rahman has blown hot and cold.
Young pacers Hasan Mahmud and Shoriful Islam have shown promise as the bright spots. But overall, Bangladesh have lacked the firepower with both bat and ball to challenge top teams.
Their main objective now will be to win their last two games to keep hopes alive of qualifying for the 2025 Champions Trophy. Securing an elusive ODI win against Australia would be an excellent parting shot for Bangladesh.
Australia vs. Bangladesh Starting XI
Expected Starting XI for Australia:
- David Warner
- Travis Head
- Mitchell Marsh
- Marnus Labuschagne
- Joshua Inglis
- Glenn Maxwell
- Marcus Stoinis
- Pat Cummins
- Mitchell Starc
- Adam Zampa
- Josh Hazlewood
Expected Starting XI for Bangladesh:
- Najmul Hossain Shanto (c)
- Litton Das
- Anamul Haque
- Mushfiqur Rahim (wk)
- Mahmudullah
- NAsum Ahmed
- Mehidy Hasan Miraz
- Taskin Ahmed
- Hasan Mahmud
- Mustafizur Rahman
- Shoriful Islam
Australia are likely to field the same XI that hammered Afghanistan. They may rest Maxwell or Starc but overall will keep their winning core intact. For Bangladesh, the experienced Anamul Haque should return in place of injured Shakib Al Hasan. Mustafizur Rahman is also expected to replace Tanzim Shakib to boost the pace attack alongside Taskin Ahmed and Shoriful Islam.
The key battles will be between Bangladesh’s spin twins Nasum and Mehidy against Australia’s star-studded top order. Adam Zampa with his legspin will also play a pivotal role for the Aussies. Both teams appear well-matched on paper in the batting department. But Australia’s superior bowling attack gives them an edge.
See the confirmed starting lineups below an hour before the match starts.
Australia vs. Bangladesh Head-to-Head
Australia have historically dominated Bangladesh in ODI cricket, boasting a 19-1 win-loss record from 21 previous meetings.
Bangladesh’s sole victory came way back in 2005 in a famous ODI match in Cardiff during the 2005 Natwest Series. Since then, it has been all Australia who have won the last 18 ODI contests against Bangladesh.
This includes a 3-0 ODI series whitewash of Bangladesh in their last bilateral meeting down under in 2021. Australia’s potent pace attack blew Bangladesh away frequently in that series.
At World Cups, Australia enjoy a dominant 3-0 record over Bangladesh in four completed fixtures. This includes a 104-run thrashing of Bangladesh at the 2011 World Cup. So while Bangladesh’s ODI performances have improved over the last decade, they have consistently come up short against cricket powerhouses like Australia.
However, Bangladesh will take confidence from their win over South Africa earlier in this tournament. If their senior players can stand up, Bangladesh are capable of testing Australia’s supremacy. But Australia remain firm favorites to continue their commanding record over the Tigers.
Weather & Pitch Report
The MCA Stadium in Pune will host this last World Cup fixture between cricketing rivals Australia and Bangladesh.
The weather forecast looks excellent for playing conditions. We can expect sunny skies with temperatures around 28-30 degrees Celcius. The humidity is likely to be moderate around 60% with minimal chance of rain.
The pitch at MCA Stadium is usually an excellent one for batting with true bounce and even pace allowing strokeplay. In seven ODIs here so far, the average first innings score is 307 with 300+ totals posted regularly.
Spinners derive some turn later on to keep things balanced. Dew in the evening aids the chasing team.
However in the three World Cup games at the ground, the average first innings total is lower at 250. Sides batting first have won two of the three matches.
Considering the batting power of Australia and Bangladesh, another 250+ score batting first should be competitive. The toss winner may opt to chase due to the dew factor though.
With sunny skies forecast, fans can expect an entertaining contest to sign off the MCA Stadium’s World Cup hosting duties.
Australia vs. Bangladesh Prediction
Based on current form and historical dominance, Australia deserve to start as strong favorites in this contest against Bangladesh.
Australia’s blistering batting lineup led by the in-form David Warner appears far superior than the struggling Bangladeshi willow-wielders. Australia also boast a more potent bowling attack spearheaded by the pace of Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins.
Bangladesh’s senior players like captain Shakib Al Hasan, Mushfiqur Rahim and Litton Das must all stand up with impactful performances to challenge Australia’s might. Their bowling attack also lacks the firepower to consistently strike early blows.
The Tigers though have the potential to challenge any top side on their day if their key men click in unison. Australia also cannot afford any complacency even with the semis confirmed.
But considering Australia’s red-hot form and Bangladesh’s difficulties, the Aussies remain favorites to seal another comfortable win. Warner and Adam Zampa’s superb tournament form hands them the edge.
However, expect Bangladesh to fight valiantly being the underdogs and make Australia earn their win. Their giant-killing ability cannot be discounted.
Australia vs. Bangladesh Betting Tips
With the batting pitch on offer, consider betting on over 270+ match runs. 300+ is also a possibility if Australia bat first. David Warner is an excellent choice for top match batsman given his excellent World Cup form. Mushfiqur Rahim has value as Bangladesh’s top batsman.
Adam Zampa should be the prime pick for top bowler. Mustafizur Rahman could be a good differential choice from Bangladesh. Australia’s dominance makes them safe favorites for match winners and other match markets.
Bangladesh as underdogs have appeal at higher odds if you expect them to challenge the Aussies. Betting on Glenn Maxwell or Marcus Stoinis to hit the most sixes has good potential.
For prop bets, consider David Warner or Steven Smith to score 50+ runs individually.
The dew factor may help the side chasing. So consider betting on the chasing team.
With Bangladesh’s long odds, a small wager on them causing an upset could give huge returns.
Australia appears to be the smarter betting option in top batsman/bowler markets. But Bangladesh has an upset potential for those seeking high-return differential picks especially in game markets.
Bet on each team to score over 274.5 runs at 1xBet at odds 1.95>>
If you want to check out our other Cricket World Cup match predictions, you can find them on our site. In the meantime, you can check out how to bet on the Cricket World Cup.
