Cricket
From duck to diamond: Soumya reborn with brilliant 169 vs New Zealand
After a prolonged period of struggles, Soumya Sarkar roared back to life with a dazzling century against New Zealand. In the second BAN vs NZ ODI in Nelson, Soumya blazed 169 runs off 151 balls, peppering his innings with 22 fours and two sixes.
This knock marked a monumental turnaround for the left-hander who last reached a half-century in 2019. The following years saw him sidelined from the ODI team in 2020, failing to impress in his limited opportunities in 2021, and dropped again in 2022.
His return under head coach Chandika Hathurusingha began with two consecutive ducks in 2023, raising questions about his selection. However, Hathurusingha remained committed to Soumya, and the faith paid off spectacularly.
Bangladesh aim to bounce back in 2nd ODI vs New Zealand
The opener unleashed his fury on the Kiwis, dispatching deliveries to all corners of the ground. In doing so, he not only stood tall amidst Asian batters on New Zealand soil but also etched his name in record books. His 169 surpassed Sachin Tendulkar's 163 not out in Christchurch in 2009, claiming the mantle of the highest ODI score by an Asian batter in New Zealand.
This was Soumya’s third ODI century, adding to his previous accomplishments in 2015 and 2018.
Fueled by his career-best knock, Bangladesh piled up a formidable total of 291 all out in the second ODI against New Zealand. Bangladesh lost the first match. If the Tigers can defend this total on Wednesday (December 20, 2023), the last match will turn into a final of this series.
Triumphant U-19 boys eager to keep shining
BAN vs NZ ODI Series: Shanto sees a challenging role for Soumya in Shakib’s absence
As Bangladesh gear up for the ODI series against New Zealand commencing on December 17 at the University Oval in Dunedin, stand-in ODI captain Najmul Hossain Shanto emphasized the demanding role that Soumya Sarkar will need to assume in the absence of Shakib Al Hasan.
While Bangladesh etched memories of triumphant encounters with the Kiwis in ODIs, securing a series victory on New Zealand soil remains an uncharted territory. This series offers Bangladesh a fresh opportunity to script a new chapter in their cricketing history.
However, the absence of key players such as Tamim Iqbal, Shakib Al Hasan, and Mahmudullah Riyad poses a big challenge. Shakib, dealing with an injury, is concurrently engaged in preparations for the upcoming general election where he is vying for a seat as an Awami League candidate. Tamim and Mahmudullah, for different reasons, will also be sidelined.
In addition to contending with the New Zealand team, Bangladesh must grapple with the colder conditions in New Zealand compared to their home country. Shanto, however, expressed a lack of concern about the unpredictable weather, emphasizing that it is beyond anyone's control. Undeterred by these challenges, Bangladesh is determined to clinch a victory in New Zealand, asserted Shanto.
Reflecting on previous tours to New Zealand, Shanto acknowledged the absence of a white-ball victory but remained optimistic about the current team's capabilities. "Some team has to do that. I believe this team has the required ability to beat New Zealand at their home. We all believe we will have a different result this time," Shanto remarked.
The inclusion of Soumya in the series adds a significant dimension to Bangladesh's strategy. While Soumya was part of the Bangladesh team leading up to the World Cup in India, he was excluded during the tournament. Shanto highlighted Soumya's pivotal role, particularly in the absence of Shakib.
"Since Shakib is not part of this series, Soumya’s bowling will be important for us. The team management included him considering this fact," Shanto explained.
In their 17 ODIs in New Zealand before this series, Bangladesh faced the hosts and Scotland in the ICC World Cup 2015, securing only one victory against Scotland. The upcoming series provides an opportunity for Bangladesh to rewrite their narrative on New Zealand soil.
Bangladesh secures historic Test victory over New Zealand at home
Spotlight was on the host Bangladesh as they required just three wickets to secure their inaugural home triumph over New Zealand.
Adding to the four wickets claimed on day four, Taijul Islam snared two more on the fifth morning, culminating in a six-wicket haul for 75 runs. With this stellar performance, Bangladesh closed the match with a commanding 150-run victory, as in pursuit of 332, New Zealand stumbled at 181.
Taijul's ten-wicket haul, conceding 184 runs, marked his second instance of achieving ten or more wickets in a single Test. His first decimation of this magnitude came in 2018 against Zimbabwe at the same venue.
Taijul takes 4 wickets as Bangladesh closes in on win in first test against New Zealand
This triumph propels Bangladesh into the new World Test Championship cycle on a high note, a noteworthy feat given the absence of several senior players in this match. The designated Test captain, Shakib Al Hasan, remained sidelined due to a finger injury, joined by Tamim Iqbal and Litton Das for various reasons.
The mantle fell upon the rejuvenated Bangladesh Test team under the leadership of Najmul Hossain Shanto, who, having led Bangladesh in the World Cup in Shakib's absence, made a spectacular debut as Test captain by scoring a century—the first for a Bangladeshi in debut as captain.
This century laid the foundation for the Tigers to set a challenging target for New Zealand, a team that had never successfully chased more than 324 runs in the fourth innings to win a Test. Notably, the last instance was in 1994 when they defeated Pakistan chasing 324 runs, making this pursuit a significant challenge.
Sylhet Test: Quick wickets daunt New Zealand’s chase for 332
Chasing a target of 332 runs in the fourth innings, New Zealand faltered early, losing wickets at regular intervals and failing to recover from the initial setback of losing three for 30 runs.
Daryl Mitchell displayed resilience with a score of 58, while Tim Southee contributed 34 in the face of a formidable bowling attack from Bangladesh. However, apart from them, none of the other New Zealand batters could mount significant resistance.
Taijul's exceptional performance in this match marked his 13th five or more-wicket haul in Tests, making him the second-best for Bangladesh after Shakib, who boasts 19 such hauls.
In the first innings, Bangladesh posted 310, with Mahmudul Hasan Joy notching up 86 after winning the toss. No player from Bangladesh managed to cross the fifty-run mark. Glenn Phillips shone for New Zealand, taking four wickets.
In response, New Zealand secured a narrow 7-run lead, scoring 317 in their first innings, with Kane Williamson being the standout performer with a century. Taijul contributed with four wickets in the first innings.
Sylhet Test: Bangladesh set 332-run target for New Zealand
In their final innings, Bangladesh scored 338, anchored by Shanto's century and fifties from Mushfiqur Rahim and Mehidy Hasan Miraz. Ajaz Patel took four wickets for the visitors.
With this win, overall second against New Zealand, Bangladesh took the lead in the two-match series. The second and final match of this series is scheduled to take place in Dhaka on December 6.
Preview of 2023 BAN vs NZ 1st Test Match in Sylhet
Following a break due to the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023, New Zealand is going to resume its tour of Bangladesh. Previously, the Kiwis secured a 2-0 victory in the three-match ODI series (with the first match being canceled due to rain) and are now prepared for a two-test series set to start on Tuesday, November 28, at 9:30 am Bangladesh time. The 2023 BAN vs NZ 1st Test match will be played at Sylhet International Cricket Stadium.
Preview of Bangladesh vs New Zealand Test Match
Bangladesh appointed left-handed batsman Najmul Hossain Shanto as the captain for the Test format. This marks Shanto's debut as the leader of the test side, building on his previous experience as captain during the ODI Cricket World Cup in India when Shakib Al Hasan was sidelined due to injury.
Regrettably, Bangladesh will be without the pacer Taskin Ahmed, who is currently sidelined due to a shoulder injury. Additionally, Shakib Al Hasan, the usual Test captain, is unavailable following a finger injury sustained during the World Cup encounter against Sri Lanka. Liton Das has taken a leave to spend time with his newborn daughter. Shadman Islam and Nurul Hasan Sohan returned to the team after a long time. Shadman last played a Test for the national team against the West Indies in April last year. In addition, Sohan's most recent appearance was in December against India. Both players feature prominently among the top five run-scorers in the current National League season. Sohan, positioned at number two, has accumulated an impressive total of 435 runs in 9 innings across 6 matches. On the other hand, Sadman's scored 411 runs in 8 innings of 5 matches.
Mushfiqur Rahim is expected to lead the batting lineup, partnering with Mominul Haque, Shadman Islam, and Mahmudul Hasan Joy. Additionally, the all-rounder roles will be carried out by Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Shahadat Hossain. Taijul Islam will lead the bowling department, with support from Shoriful Islam and Khaled Ahmed, who made his ODI debut in the last series.
Hasan Murad has earned his maiden call-up to the Test team. Murad consistently showed his skills in domestic cricket, catching the attention of selectors. Currently, he ranks among the top 10 wicket-takers in the ongoing National Cricket League. Given his performance and potential, the selectors saw fit to include the left-arm spinner, a member of the Youth World Cup-winning team, in the Test squad against New Zealand.
On the other hand, Tim Southee will be the captain for the Kiwis, and the team will feature players like Devon Conway, Kane Williamson, and Mitchell Santner. Rachin Ravindra, who had an outstanding World Cup in 2023, is back in the Test squad after last playing against Bangladesh in January 2022. Neil Wagner joined the New Zealand Test squad on November 17, 2023, filling in for the injured Matt Henry.
Read more: ICC World Cup 2023: Top Performers in Batting, Bowling and Fielding At a Glance
Bangladesh Test Squad Against New Zealand
Shadman Islam, Najmul Hossain Shanto (c), Mushfiqur Rahim, Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Nurul Hasan (wk), Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Shahadat Hossain, Hasan Mahmud, Shoriful Islam, Taijul Islam, Khaled Ahmed, Mominul Haque, Hasan Murad, and Nayeem Hasan.
New Zealand Test Squad Against Bangladesh
Tim Southee (c), Tom Blundell (wk), Devon Conway, Kyle Jamieson, Tom Latham, Daryl Mitchell, Henry Nicholls, Ajaz Patel, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Mitchell Santner, Ish Sodhi, Kane Williamson, Will Young, and Neil Wagner.
Bangladesh vs New Zealand Head-to-Head in Test
New Zealand and Bangladesh have contested 17 Test matches, with the Kiwis emerging victorious in 13 encounters. Bangladesh managed to clinch victory in only one match. Three of the test matches were drawn. In their last series in 2021-2022, the Tigers managed to draw against New Zealand in an away series. Bangladesh achieved a historic milestone with their maiden Test win over New Zealand in Mount Maunganui on December 31, 2021.
Read more: New Zealand tour of Bangladesh in 2023-2024
Table: BAN vs NZ H-to-H Test Stats So Far
Total Test Matches
Bangladesh Win
New Zealand Win
Draw
17
1
13
3
Key Bangladeshi Players to Watch
Mushfiqur Rahim
Mushfiqur Rahim has scored 442 runs in nine Test matches against New Zealand at an average of 34. During these matches, he has hit one century and two half-centuries. So, he might use his previous experience against the Kiwis/
Najmul Hossian Shanto
Shanto is one of the leading run-scorers for Bangladesh in Test cricket this year, scoring 274 runs at an impressive average of 68.50 in two matches, including two centuries. Against New Zealand, he has scored 144 runs from three matches.
Mehidy Hasan Miraz
Miraz has played 5 test matches against New Zealand and grabbed 10 wickets. He also scored 81 runs for Bangladesh. His all-round skills have improved since his last meeting with New Zealand in January 2022. So, he will surely make some impact.
Key New Zealand Players to Watch
Tom Latham
Tom Latham is the second-highest run-scorer for New Zealand against Bangladesh, having accumulated 734 runs in six Tests at an outstanding average of 91.75. During these matches, he has scored three centuries and a single fifty, with a highest score of 252.
Neil Wagner
Neil Wagner stands as New Zealand's second-highest wicket-taker against Bangladesh in a test, having secured 39 wickets. So, Bangladeshi batters will have to play Wagner carefully.
Final Words
With both teams making strategic adjustments and adding a blend of experienced players and emerging talents, the cricketing stage is set for a fascinating match. Bangladesh, led by debutant Test captain Najmul Hossain Shanto, face challenges with key players unavailable due to injuries and personal reasons. On the other hand, New Zealand, under the captaincy of Tim Southee, bring a challenging lineup that includes the returning Rachin Ravindra and the experienced Tom Latham.
Read more: Ticket prices unveiled for Bangladesh vs New Zealand test match in Sylhet
Ticket prices unveiled for Bangladesh vs New Zealand test match in Sylhet
The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has disclosed the ticket prices for the upcoming two-match test series featuring Bangladesh and New Zealand, set to commence on November 28 in Sylhet.
For the first test match at Sylhet International Cricket Stadium (SICS), the prices are as follows: Grand Stand at Tk 1,000; Club House at Tk 300; Eastern Gallery at TK 200; Western Gallery at Tk 100; and Green Hill Area at Tk 100.
Bangladesh Women's Cricket team due to fly South Africa Saturday
Ticket counters, situated at Sylhet International Cricket Stadium (SICS) Main Gate Lakkatura and Sylhet District Stadium (Main Gate) Rikabibazar, will operate from 9:00 am to 5:30 pm on match days and the day preceding.
This series marks the commencement of the new cycle of the ICC World Test Championship, representing the first home series for the Tigers in this event.
BCB has officially announced a 15-member squad for this series, with Najmul Hossain Shanto leading the team. Shanto, a left-handed top-order batter, assumed test captaincy for the first time, stepping in for the regular captain, Shakib Al Hasan, who is sidelined due to a finger injury.
DRU Cricket: Holders Dainik Inqilab, Jagonews, ATN Bangla advance to quarter-finals on Day-3
Notably, three players are set to make their test debut for Bangladesh in this series: Hasan Mahmud, Shahadat Hossain Dipu, and Hasan Morad. While Mahmud has prior experience in ODIs and T20Is, this marks his Test debut. Shahadat and Morad, on the other hand, have yet to make their international cricket debuts.
While the first test of the two-match series will be played in Sylhet, the second and final match will be played in Dhaka on December 6.
Marlon Samuels faces 6-year ban for breaching anti-corruption code
Bangladesh squad for the New Zealand Test series: Najmul Hossain Shanto (Captain), Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Zakir Hasan, Shadman Islam, Mominul Haque, Mushfiqur Rahim, Nurul Hasan Sohan, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Taijul Islam, Naeem Hasan, Khaled Ahmed, Shoriful Islam, Hasan Mahmud, Shahadat Hossain Dipu, and Hasan Morad.
ICC World Cup 2023: Top Performers in Batting, Bowling and Fielding At a Glance
The 2023 ICC Cricket World Cup wrapped up with Australia beating India in the much awaited final, securing their sixth World Cup title with a six-wicket win. Across the tournament, numerous players showcased their skills and made their mark on the pitch. Let’s take a look at the top performers of ICC Men's ODI World Cup 2023.
Top Batters in ICC World Cup 2023
Table: Best 5 batters in the 2023 ICC ODI World Cup Tournament
Player
Matches
Innings
Runs
High Score
Average
Strike Rate
100s
50s
Virat Kohli (IND)
11
11
765
117
95.62
90.31
3
6
Rohit Sharma (IND)
11
11
597
131
54.27
125.94
1
3
Quinton de Kock (SA)
10
10
594
174
59.40
107.02
4
-
Rachin Ravindra (NZ)
10
10
578
123*
64.22
106.44
3
2
Daryl Mitchell (NZ)
10
9
552
134
69.00
111.06
2
2
Virat Kohli (IND)
Virat Kohli’s performance in the World Cup 2023 was nothing short of extraordinary. He scored six 50s and three centuries, setting a new tournament record with an aggregate of 765 runs. This surpassed Sachin Tendulkar’s previous record of 673 by an impressive margin of 92 runs. Kohli’s crucial innings, particularly his 85 against Australia in India’s tournament opener when they were 2 for 3, established the tone for his outstanding run.
While much attention was given to his personal milestones, such as his 49th and 50th ODI centuries, Kohli ensured that his brisk run-scoring consistently contributed to the team’s success. Virat Kohli was honored with the Player of the Tournament award for his exceptional performance.
Read more: Bangladesh Women’s Cricket Showing Light of Hope
Rohit Sharma (IND)
In nine out of 11 innings, Rohit Sharma consistently scored at least 40 runs, showcasing amazing consistency. In eight of these innings, he maintained a scoring rate of over a run per ball, achieving a strike rate exceeding 150 on four occasions.
Balancing both run-scoring and quick-scoring is often challenging, but Rohit successfully managed it throughout the entire tournament. He secured the position of the second-highest run-scorer and among the 13 batsmen with at least 400 runs. Rohit’s 401 runs in the first powerplay were an impressive 54% better than the next-best (David Warner’s 260), and he contributed to 58% of India’s total runs while at the crease.
Quinton de Kock (SA)
In his farewell appearance in the 50-over World Cup format, South Africa’s Quinton de Kock ensured he departed with cherished memories, delivering an impressive performance. The left-hander scored 594 runs in ten games at an average of 59.40 with a 107.02 strike rate.
Despite the Proteas being eliminated in the semi-final, De Kock’s remarkable contribution included four centuries, the highest in the tournament. These centuries not only delighted South African supporters but also entertained neutral fans, leaving a lasting impression in his last World Cup.
Rachin Ravindra (NZ)
In his debut World Cup appearance, New Zealand batter Rachin Ravindra made a significant impact by emerging as the highest-scoring Kiwi batsman at the 2023 edition. With a total of 578 runs and an impressive average of 64.22, Ravindra showcased his talent on the global stage.
The left-hander illuminated the tournament with a brilliant century on the opening day against England. Demonstrating consistency and expertise with the bat, the 24-year-old Kiwi has undoubtedly set the stage for a promising future in international cricket.
Daryl Mitchell (NZ)
With Kane Williamson sidelined for a significant part of the tournament, New Zealand relied on other top-order batsmen to step up, and Daryl Mitchell, along with Rachin Ravindra, delivered splendid performances. Mitchell impressively scored at over a run per ball in seven out of nine innings, displaying crucial intent that disrupted bowlers and allowed New Zealand to score rapidly in the middle overs (11 to 40).
Read more: ODI Batting Rankings: Mahmudullah’s ranking goes up
During this phase, New Zealand’s run rate of 6.47 was the highest among all teams. Mitchell’s middle-order contributions were notable, accumulating 472 runs, second only to Kohli’s 576, at an excellent strike rate of 111.58. A significant factor in his success was his performance against spinners, scoring 234 runs at an average of 78 and a strike rate of 106.84.
Cricket World Cup in India sets all-time tournament attendance record of 1.25 million
The Cricket World Cup attracted a tournament-record 1.25 million spectators during the 6 1-2-week event which ended Sunday with Australia beating India by six wickets for its sixth title.
The ICC said Tuesday that the tournament had 1,250,307 spectators. With six games to go, the spectator figures had already surpassed the one million mark.
Read: 'It Takes One Day': Australia clinch 6th World Cup title stunning India in one-sided final
The India attendance figures surpass the earlier marks of the 2015 World Cup held in Australia and New Zealand which attracted 1,016,420 spectators and the 2019 edition in England and Wales which had 752,000 fans.
The 10-team tournament in India saw each team play the others once to advance to the semifinals. There were 48 matches played overall for a total average attendance of about 26,000.
Read: World Cup 2023 Final: Early wickets pose challenge for Australia in pursuit of 241
It was the 13th edition of the Cricket World Cup first held in 1975.
World Cup 2023 Final: India stumble, lose 3 wickets before reaching 100
In the final of the ICC World Cup 2023 against Australia in Ahmedabad on Sunday, India lost three wickets before reaching 100 runs on the board.
Australia won the toss and chose to bowl first.
India's Shubman Gill fell to a loose shot, caught by Adam Zampa, giving Mitchel Starc the first breakthrough.
Read: ICC World Cup 2023 Final: Australia ask India to bat first
However, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli responded aggressively. In the seventh over, Virat hit Starc for three consecutive fours, quickly finding his rhythm.
Rohit, maintaining his aggressive form throughout the World Cup, took on Glenn Maxwell in the 10th over but ended up playing a poor shot. Travis Head made a spectacular diving catch at cover, marking the catch of the match.
In the next over, India lost Shreyas Iyer to Pat Cummins with a catch behind the wicket, as Shreyas missed a good connection.
Read: ICC World Cup 2023: Stage set for grand final between Australia and India
After the 11th over, India stood at 82 for three.
This is the second time India and Australia are facing each other in the World Cup final. In their previous encounter, Australia emerged victorious.
Shanto to Lead Bangladesh in Test Series Against New Zealand
Top-order batsman Najmul Hossain Shanto will lead the Bangladesh team in the upcoming two-match series against New Zealand starting later this month.
Jalal Younus, chairman of the cricket operation department of the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB), confirmed the development to media on Saturday (November 18, 2023).
“Shanto will lead the team in the two Tests against New Zealand,” Jalal said at a press briefing at the BCB media lounge.
In the ICC World Cup 2023, deemed “the worst” for Bangladesh by Shakib Al Hasan, Shanto led the team in two matches when the regular captain Shakib was out of the playing XI due to injury concerns.
Read: New Zealand to visit Bangladesh in November for 2-Test series
Shakib, who was ruled out of the World Cup before the last match for Bangladesh, is set to miss the upcoming Test series as he continues to recover from a finger injury.
Opener Litton Das has also been granted leave for a month. He recently became father of a baby girl.
“Litton asked for leave for two months; we have accepted one month,” Jalal confirmed. “He became a father, so he needs leave, and we understand it.”
Meanwhile, Allan Donald resigned from his post as the pace bowling coach of Bangladesh. In his absence, coaches from the high-performance unit may join the national team to fulfill his role. The BCB will soon appoint a new pace-bowling coach.
Read more: New Zealand tour of Bangladesh in 2023-2024: Schedules, Fixtures, Team
ICC World Cup 2023 Final: Preview of India vs Australia ODI
The last match of the 2023 Cricket World Cup is on Sunday, November 19, at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. India and Australia will play the final match, which will start at 2:30 pm Bangladesh time. The last time these two teams faced each other in a World Cup final was in 2003. Australia came out victorious, winning the game by 125 runs and securing their third World Cup trophy. Who do you think will win this time? Let's find out.
Preview of India vs Australia ODI in ICC World Cup 2023
From losing the first two matches to reaching the final, Australia really improved their game through the last eight matches. Pat Cummins' team has shown an impressive turnaround after losing their first two matches in the tournament. They secured their spot in the final with a tense win against South Africa.
The Eden Garden pitch was slow in the second semifinal, making it challenging for batsmen to score runs. Despite this, South Africa managed to post a total of 212 runs. However, Australia faced a tough task in chasing down this modest target. The struggle was evident as they teetered on the edge, but ultimately, they secured a spot in the final by winning the match with a margin of 3 wickets. The Australians faced considerable pressure from the Proteas, who managed to take 7 wickets. Despite this challenging situation, the Aussies made a comeback, securing a win thanks to the responsible batting of captain Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc. Starc finished the match not out with 16 runs, while Cummins contributed 14 runs.
Travis Head was the top scorer for the team with 62 runs. Additionally, Steve Smith added 30 runs to the total, while David Warner was dismissed after scoring 29 runs.
Read more: World Cup 2023: Australia secure final berth by beating South Africa in low-scoring affair
This marks the eighth time Australia is participating in the World Cup Final, having previously won the trophy five times.
Yet, if Australia emerges as the focal point by Sunday night, it indicates a significant setback for India. India will be looking for its third World Cup title at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Sunday. Their last victory came in 2011 when they defeated Sri Lanka in the final at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.
India has been the most impressive team in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023, winning all 10 games in the tournament. They concluded the group stage at the top with nine wins in nine games, comfortably defeating almost every team in the competition. Under the leadership of Rohit Sharma, they secured a spot in the final by beating New Zealand in the semifinal at Mumbai's Wankhede Stadium with a 70-run victory in a high-scoring match.
Previously, India effortlessly defeated Australia by six wickets in their initial group-stage encounter, and there are no indications that their momentum will fade. Everything suggests that they are on track to win the tournament on their home ground, just as they did in 2011.
Read more: ICC World Cup 2023: Kohli, Shreyas propel India to massive total in semifinal against New Zealand
India vs Australia Head to Head in ODI So Far
The cricketing rivalry between India and Australia in ODIs has been a fiercely contested battle, spanning a total of 150 matches. The head-to-head statistics reveal a closely fought competition, with Australia holding the advantage. Out of the 150 encounters, Australia emerged victorious in 83 matches, showcasing their dominance on multiple occasions. On the other hand, India secured triumph in 57 matches, illustrating their competitive spirit. Notably, there have been no tied matches in this intense rivalry, but 10 encounters ended with no result. India vs Australia ODI clashes have consistently provided fans with thrilling moments and cricketing excellence, making it one of the most anticipated and celebrated rivalries in the world of cricket.
In the history of the ODI World Cup, Australia and India have faced each other thirteen times, with Australia holding an 8-5 advantage in their head-to-head record. The most recent encounter at the 2023 World Cup saw India emerging victorious, beating Australia by 6 wickets.
Table: India vs Australia Head-to-Head ODI Matches So Far
Stats
Matches
India Won
Australia Won
No Result
Tie
Overall
150
57
83
10
0
ODI World Cups
13
5
8
0
0
Predicted XI for India
Rohit Sharma (captain), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (wicket-keeper), Suryakumar Yadav, Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Shami, Mohammed Siraj.
Predicted XI for Australia
Travis Head, David Warner, Mitchell Marsh, Steve Smith, Josh Inglis (wk), Glenn Maxwell, Marnus Labuschagne/Marcus Stoinis, Pat Cummins (c), Mitchell Starc, Adam Zampa and Josh Hazlewood.
Read more: ICC World Cup 2023: Australia Men's ODI Squad Analysis
Indian Players to Watch
Virat Kohli
Virat Kohli has surpassed Sachin Tendulkar's record for the most runs in a World Cup by scoring 711 runs, achieving this feat with a game to spare. Additionally, Kohli has now reached a milestone of 50 ODI centuries. As Virat is in great form, his performance in the final will be crucial.
Mohammed Shami
As it stands, Mohammed Shami has emerged as the leading wicket-taker in the tournament, an impressive feat considering he has played in only six matches. Shami's ability to consistently take wickets has undoubtedly contributed to his standout performance in the competition. And his 7 wicket haul in the last match was a record. So, Aussies will need to play Shami carefully in the final.
Rohit Sharma
In the 2023 ICC World Cup, Rohit Sharma has been the standout batsman for India, consistently delivering explosive starts that have frequently placed the team in advantageous positions. Further, he has a good record against Australia, scoring 2332 runs from 44 matches with 209 high scores.
Read more: ICC World Cup 2023: India ODI Squad Analysis
Australian Players to Watch
David Warner
In the semi final against South Africa at Eden Gardens in Kolkata, David Warner reached an impressive achievement. He became the first Australian batsman to score 500 runs in two different ODI World Cup editions. Warner's skill as a left-handed batsman was clear when he accumulated 647 runs in the previous 2019 edition. Now, he joins an elite group, being only the third player to score over 500 runs in two World Cups. He is a reliable batter for big matches. So, he will surely show his skill in the final.
Adam Zampa
Adam Zampa's performance in the ICC World Cup 2023 has been truly impressive. Despite facing difficulties earlier in the tournament when he gave away 113 runs, Zampa showed flexibility and a champion's mentality. Taking on the responsibility as the sole spinner for Australia, he has claimed 22 wickets, making him the second-leading wicket-taker in the tournament.
Josh Hazlewood
Josh Hazlewood delivered an outstanding performance in the ICC World Cup 2023 semifinal against South Africa, making a significant impact in the early stage of the match. He played a key role in limiting the strong South African top order by taking the crucial wickets of Quinton de Kock and Aiden Markram. In his eight overs, he conceded only 12 runs, with seven of those runs coming from edges or false shots.
Final Words
India has secured ten victories out of ten matches in the ICC World Cup 2023 so far. The top battle will occur in the top order, where players like Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood need to stop Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, and Virat Kohli from making a strong start. However, even if they manage to do so, the in-form Shreyas Iyer and KL Rahul add significant firepower. This offensive capability is supported by a well-rounded Indian bowling attack. So, India has maximum chances to win the 2023 ICC ODI World Cup final match against Australia.
Read more: New Zealand tour of Bangladesh in 2023-2024: Schedules, Fixtures, Team