The 27th match of the 2023 ICC Cricket World Cup will see a blockbuster clash between trans-Tasman rivals Australia and New Zealand. This will be the 142nd ODI meeting between these two cricketing giants who share a storied rivalry. Australia has historically dominated the matchup, winning 95 and losing only 41 ODIs against the Kiwis. They also lead New Zealand 8-3 in previous World Cup meetings.
The defending champions Australia got off to a rocky start in their World Cup title defense, stumbling in their first two matches. But they have since rebounded impressively, securing thumping wins over Sri Lanka and Netherlands. Overall, both Australia and their opponents have enjoyed strong starts to their World Cup campaigns thus far. Meanwhile, New Zealand was undefeated until their last match against India. This matchup at the HPCA Stadium in Dharamsala promises to be a thrilling contest between two of the tournament favorites.
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Australia Overview
The Australian champions of 2015 entered the World Cup as one of the favourites but suffered surprise losses to New Zealand and England in their first two matches. This led to questions about whether their ODI form had declined since being on top of their game. However, the Aussies have answered their critics with dominant wins in their next two games.
The returns of David Warner and Mitchell Starc from injury have strengthened the Australian lineup. Warner has been in blistering form, scoring two quickfire centuries already in the tournament. With captain Pat Cummins also finding rhythm with the ball again, Australia seems to be returning to their best form at just the right time.
The only concerning area has been the middle order, with Steve Smith and Marnus Labuschagne struggling for runs. But the return of all-rounder Cameron Green from injury gives Australia another dynamic option to solidify the middle order. Overall, the Aussies appear to have worked out their early kinks and will be full of confidence coming into this clash against their Trans-Tasman rivals.
New Zealand Overview
New Zealand entered the World Cup in red-hot form, with ODI series wins against India and Pakistan leading up to the tournament. They continued this strong form with victories in their first three matches against Australia, Sri Lanka and England. A revamped top order of Conway, Young and Ravindra has given them consistently solid starts.
However, the Kiwis suffered their first hiccup when they fell to a resurgent India in their last match. Their bowling, which had been strongest suit, was put under pressure by a marauding Shubman Gill century. Captain Kane Williamson’s finger injury has also left a big hole in the middle order.
Stand-in skipper Tom Latham and senior pros Ross Taylor and Jimmy Neesham will need to step up in Williamson’s absence. The bowling attack, led by Southee, Boult and Santner, will also need to bounce back after the hammering by India. But despite the setback, New Zealand has the quality and experience to pose a stiff challenge for the Aussies.
Australia vs. New Zealand Starting XI
Expected Starting XI for Australia:
Australia is likely to field the same XI that thrashed Netherlands in their last match:
- David Warner
- Mitchell Marsh
- Steve Smith
- Marnus Labuschagne
- Josh Inglis (wk)
- Glenn Maxwell
- Cameron Green
- Mitchell Starc
- Pat Cummins (c)
- Adam Zampa
- Josh Hazlewood
Expected Starting XI for New Zealand:
New Zealand will need to shuffle their lineup in the absence of Kane Williamson. Their probable XI:
- Devon Conway
- Will Young
- Rachin Ravindra
- Daryl Mitchell
- Tom Latham (c)/(wk)
- Glenn Phillips
- Mark Chapman
- Mitchell Santner
- Matt Henry
- Lockie Ferguson
- Trent Boult
Stand-in skipper Tom Latham is likely to move up the order, with young all-rounder Rachin Ravindra also possibly promoted. In-form Glenn Phillips and Mark Chapman will add solidity in the middle order. The pace bowling trio of Henry, Ferguson and Boult will need to bounce back after struggling against India last match.
See the confirmed starting lineups below an hour before the match starts.
Australia vs. New Zealand Head-to-Head
Australia and New Zealand have faced each other 141 times in ODI cricket, with Australia holding a dominant 95-41 edge. They have also won 8 out of their 11 previous World Cup meetings.
Australia has dominated New Zealand in World Cup clashes, including beating the Kiwis in the 2015 final to claim their fifth title. However, New Zealand did manage a thrilling 1-wicket win over Australia in their 2015 group stage match at Eden Park, Auckland.
That win showed this current Black Caps side has the quality to compete with their more successful trans-Tasman rivals. New Zealand also won the most recent ODI series between the two teams, prevailing 2-0 at home in 2020.
Their most recent World Cup meeting was in the 2019 group stage, where Australia edged New Zealand by 86 runs despite only scoring 242. That win improved Australia’s record to 8-3 in World Cup matches against their trans-Tasman rivals.
But despite occasional breakthroughs, New Zealand is yet to shed their tag of underachievers in major ICC events. The Black Caps also suffered World Cup final heartbreak in 2015 and 2019, extending their trophy drought.
But Australia still holds the overall edge in ODIs, with a formidable record at home against New Zealand. With the likes of Warner and Cummins hitting their strides, the defending champions will fancy their chances of continuing their World Cup domination over their close neighbors.
Weather & Pitch Report
The match will be played at the picturesque HPCA Stadium in Dharamsala, with the Himalayan foothills forming a stunning backdrop. The weather is expected to be ideal for cricket, with clear skies and temperatures around 25 degree Celsius.
The pitch at Dharamsala generally favors the batsmen, with an average first innings score of 237 in the 8 ODIs played here so far. The outfield is quick and the ball comes nicely onto the bat. However, there is some early assistance for the pacers with swing and seam movement. But as the ball gets older, batting becomes easier. Dew in the evening session also aids the chasing team. Overall, it’s a good surface for strokeplay once set.
With power hitters like Warner, Marsh, Conway, Phillips and Maxwell on show, we can expect a high scoring game if Australia bats first. The team batting second should also feel confident of chasing down a big total if early wickets are avoided. But the quick bowlers will enjoy the pitch early on. So the key will be not losing too many wickets in the first 10-15 overs when conditions favor the bowlers.
Australia vs. New Zealand Prediction
Based on current form and pedigree, Australia deserves to be considered the favorites heading into this clash against New Zealand. The Aussies seem to have found their best combination after experimenting in the first two matches. Warner and Marsh are providing consistently solid starts, while Maxwell and the all-rounders are finishing well.
Cummins is also looking back to his best with the ball after recovering from injury. Zampa has been a consistent wicket-taker, giving Australia control through the middle overs. New Zealand will badly miss Kane Williamson’s class and experience in the middle order. Stand-in skipper Latham is not in the best batting form. Much will depend on the top order of Conway, Young and Ravindra.
New Zealand’s bowling attack will also need to be much sharper than they were against India. Boult and Southee struggled to make an impact with the new ball. And Shubman Gill took apart the spinners in the middle overs. Considering Australia’s current form and New Zealand’s over-reliance on Conway and Phillips for runs, the defending champions should be able to continue their World Cup dominance over their Trans-Tasman rivals.
Australia vs. New Zealand Betting Tip
With the batting friendly conditions at Dharamsala, expect a high scoring match. The par first innings score will be around 280-300. Back David Warner to be Australia’s top scorer. He is in tremendous form with two quickfire centuries already in the tournament. Expect another big score from him.
For New Zealand, Devon Conway has been very consistent at the top. He should get a solid 50+ score to set up New Zealand’s innings. Glenn Phillips is also due for a big knock. Kane Williamson’s absence significantly weakens New Zealand’s middle order. Australia should target the likes of Daryl Mitchell and Tom Latham with the ball.
Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood with the new ball and Adam Zampa in the middle overs will be the key wicket-takers for Australia. Trent Boult and Tim Southee will need to strike early with the new ball to dent Australia’s top order. Mitchell Santner’s left-arm spin could also pose some problems.
With Australia’s deep batting lineup, the safer bet appears to be on them to successfully chase any target below 330, if they bat second. For top batters markets, back Warner, Marsh, Conway and Phillips to score the most runs for their respective teams. For bowlers, Cummins, Starc, Zampa could be valuable bets to take the most wickets for Australia.
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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.
