ICC World Cup 2019: Match 37, New Zealand vs Australia, Preview – Trans-Tasman feud at the home of cricket

These sides played an unforgettable group stage encounter in the previous edition and not to forget, the final at the MCG as well.

Published - 28 Jun 2019, 13:34 IST | Updated - 28 Jun 2019, 13:34 IST

2 Min Read

Cricket’s oldest and most prestigious venue hosted a very important fixture a few days back between Australia and England, which saw the hosts go down quite disappointingly. The Aussies confirmed their status in the knockout stages with that win and now will be battling against their other arch-rivals in Kiwis at the same venue.

New Zealand have found themselves in a spot of bother after losing their previous match to Pakistan. They just need a point to move ahead of India and Australia to top the points table and also will confirm their knockout berth. Kane Williamson‘s outstanding form has been carrying the side forward quite amazingly and they need some more of it.

These sides played an unforgettable group stage encounter in the previous edition and the final at the MCG fancy the merit to mention. Finch & Co are keen to defend the title whilst the Blackcaps wish to go one step further than the previous one, which makes up for a cracker of a Saturday afternoon.

Playing Combinations

New Zealand

Colin Munro’s place is in trouble big time having failed to deliver after the half-century against Sri Lanka. Ish Sodhi could come in for Matt Henry as well given the nature of the English tracks currently. Lockie Ferguson and Trent Boult have been in terrific form and the all-rounders Jimmy Neesham and Colin de Grandhomme are contributing greatly for the side.

Probable XI

Martin Guptill, Colin Munro/Henry Nicholls, Kane Williamson (c), Ross Taylor, Tom Latham (wk), James Neesham, Colin de Grandhomme, Mitchell Santner, Matt Henry/Ish Sodhi, Lockie Ferguson, Trent Boult

Australia

Nathan Lyon could keep his place in the XI with the Aussies determined to not make any changes to the side which defeated England. Aaron Finch and David Warner collectively amassed 996 runs this season and have been the pillars of their success. Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins found a great partner in Behrendorff in the previous game and this trio could continue till the tournament ends.

Probable XI

Aaron Finch (c), David Warner, Usman Khawaja, Steve Smith, Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, Alex Carey (wk), Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Jason Behrendorff

Focus will be on

Martin Guptill (New Zealand)

Martin Guptill was the highest run-scorer last edition but has registered just one fifty this tournament. The swashbuckling opener has been struggling for runs this tournament and their side could’ve suffered tremendously if not for Kane Williamson and Ross Taylor’s great run. If the Kiwis aspire to go big, this man needs to start delivering some big performances.

Glenn Maxwell (Australia)

Glenn Maxwell was supposed to be an X-factor in their playing XI this tournament but his performances have not been up to the expectations. Although he didn’t get many opportunities to spend time in the middle, he could muster just 142 runs in seven innings and is under the pump. Finch needs this man to get back to his best as the lower middle order hasn’t looked very promising for Australia.