ICC World Cup 2019 Match 26, Australia v Bangladesh: Preview, likely XIs, predictions

Bangladesh have put up a spirited show so far in the World Cup, defeating both South Africa and West Indies and giving New Zealand a run for their money. However, Australia is a different proposition altogether. Australia have everything – by convincing margins – except when they came up against a very strong Indian outfit.

Bangladesh’s performance has depended a lot on Shakib Al Hasan, whose 75, 64, 121, 124* have made him the most prolific scorer in the World Cup. Shakib has also picked up 5 wickets at 5.84 an over. Mushfiqur Rahim has generally looked solid, Soumya Sarkar has been explosive at the top, and Mohammad Saifuddin has picked up 9 wickets.

The Australian top order looks well oiled, with Aaron Finch, David Warner, and Steven Smith all getting runs – though Warner’s strike rate has not been the best. Mitchell Starc‘s 13 wickets are the joint most in the tournament; and with 11 wickets, Pat Cummins is hot on his heels.

The spin looks thin, but Australia have enough fast bowlers to make up for that. Expect bouncers: West Indies had used them to rout Pakistan at the same venue.

Head to head

Australia have a clear 18-1 lead here, from 20 matches. Bangladesh’s only win came in 2005, at Cardiff. Australia also hold a 3-1 lead on English soil and 2-0 in the World Cup.

Key players

Mitchell Starc (Australia): With 22 wickets, Starc the joint highest wicket-taker and Player of the Tournament in 2015. It seems he is eyeing that again. Whenever a pair has tried to cut loose, Starc has broken the partnership and followed them with a couple of more wickets for good measure. Thirteen wickets in 5 matches bear testimony to that.

Shakib Al Hasan (Bangladesh): Four matches, 384 runs, an average of 128, a strike rate of 104, 5 wickets, economy under 6. There is little doubt who Bangladesh’s – or, indeed, the tournament’s – MVP has been till now. Australia need to come up with a plan to stop Shakib.

Likely XIs

Australia: Aaron Finch (c), David Warner, Steven Smith, Usman Khawaja, Glenn Maxwell, Shaun Marsh, Alex Carey (wk), Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Jason Behrendorff, Kane Richardson.

Bangladesh: Tamim Iqbal, Soumya Sarkar, Shakib Al Hasan, Mushfiqur Rahim (wk), Liton Das (wk), Mahmudullah, Mosaddek Hossain, Mohammad Saifuddin, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Mashrafe Mortaza (c), Mustafizur Rahman.

Prediction

Australia to win despite a spirited Bangladeshi fight.