T20 World Cup 2021, Australia vs Bangladesh (Super 12) Preview: AUS looks to stay in semis contention
Australia looks to stay in contention for the semis, as it would aim to get rid of the Bangladesh challenge in the Super 12 stage of the ICC T20 World Cup 2021 in Dubai on Thursday.
FollowAustralia is still in contention for the semis of the 2021 ICC T20 World Cup. On Thursday, Australia would clash against Bangladesh in its Group 1 Super 12 tie at the Dubai International Stadium. Australia would desperately aim to win against an already ousted Bangladesh, as here is the match preview of this fascinating encounter.
Current form
Australia has won a couple of the three games it has played so far. In the warm-ups, it had won and lost a game each. On the other hand, Bangladesh has lost all its four games so far, while it won two of its three games in the Group Stage. Therefore, going by the current form, momentum is clearly in favour of the Aussies and are the favourite to walk away with a win here.
LIVE SCORECARD: ICC T20 World Cup 2021, Australia vs Bangladesh (Super 12)
Team strength & weaknesses, and players to watch out
Considering the sides, Australia has a massive bowling attack, which is its strength considering the slow pitches in the gulf. Meanwhile, its batting would also be considerate, given that opener David Warner is bouncing back to form. Nevertheless, Steven Smith, Glenn Maxwell, Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood would be the players to watch out for.
As for Bangladesh, it is somewhat strong in its batting, while its all-rounder department is packed. Nonetheless, its bowlers have failed to fire appropriately, which would give the Aussie batting order a distinct advantage. The likes of Soumya Sarkar, captain Mahmudullah, Shakib Al Hasan, Mahedi Hasan, Mushfiqur Rahim, Mustafizur Rahman, and a few more will have to rise to the occasion and help the side finish on a high.
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Injury concerns and head-to-head
While Australia does not have an injury concern, Bangladesh would be without the services of its star all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan, who has been ruled out due to a hamstring injury. The two sides have clashed on nine instances, with Australia leading 5-4, while in four meetings in the competition, Australia leads 4-0.
Weather and pitch report
The weather in Dubai would be hot, with an expected temperature of 32 degrees and 54% humidity. The nature of the Dubai pitch is even, with equal assistance for batters and bowlers, while it sometimes tends to get slow. However, the side winning the toss would still go ahead with the option of bowling first and prefer chasing.
Probable XI
Australia: David Warner, Aaron Finch (c), Steven Smith, Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, Matthew Wade (wk), Pat Cummins, Ashton Agar, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood and Adam Zampa
Bangladesh: Mohammad Naim, Liton Das (wk), Soumya Sarkar, Mushfiqur Rahim, Mahmudullah (c), Afif Hossain, Shamim Hossain, Mahedi Hasan, Nasum Ahmed, Shoriful Islam and Taskin Ahmed
Fantasy XI
Batters: Warner (c), Rahim, Smith, Finch- Warner and Finch would give the right start, along with Smith at number three, while Rahim will consolidate in the middle-order. Warner's rise in form makes him the skipper.
Wicketkeeper: Liton- Liton has been the man in the form here and can be effective in both top and middle-order.
All-rounders: Maxwell, Mahedi (vc)- Maxwell has been contributing in every department of late, while Mahedi has been efficient with his spins, making him the deputy captain.
Bowlers: Starc, Cummins, Zampa, Taskin- Zampa is a must-have due to his effectiveness with his spin of late, while the other three have been highly proactive with their pace.
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Match details
Date and day: November 4, 2021 (Thursday)
Venue: Dubai International Stadium
Time: 3.30 PM (IST)
Where to watch (TV): Star Sports 1 and Star Sports 1 Hindi (Also available in HD, along with regional languages)
Where to watch (Online): Hotstar
