Australia is all set to take on the New Zealand in Match 27 of the ICC ODI World Cup 2023 on Saturday, October 28 at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium in Dharamshala. Both the teams have a star-studded squad that can change the course of the game with their abilities. New Zealand is the favourite to win this encounter against Australia.
Australia and New Zealand have a fierce rivalry in the format. Both teams have played 141 ODI matches, with Australia winning 95 games and New Zealand winning 39 games so far in the head to head encounters. In this article, we will take a look at the key player battles to watch out for in the match 27 of the ICC ODI World Cup 2023 between Australia and New Zealand.
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Here are three player battles to watch out for during AUS vs NZ match:
1) Steve Smith vs Trent Boult
Steve Smith has faced challenges in the tournament, except for his recent knock of 71 against the Netherlands. In the upcoming match, he will encounter Trent Boult, who has a history of success against the Australian batsman, dismissing him thrice in ODIs while conceding 89 runs. Boult has shown his ability to make breakthroughs, accumulating six wickets in five matches during the ICC ODI World Cup 2023.
2) Daryl Mitchell vs Adam Zampa
Daryl Mitchell’s recent century against India showcased his formidable batting prowess. He will go into the next match with confidence, but he will have to contend with the tournament’s leading wicket-taker, Adam Zampa. Zampa has been in terrific form, capturing 13 wickets in five matches, including multiple four-wicket hauls. The battle between Mitchell’s aggressive batting and Zampa’s spin wizardry promises to be a thrilling contest.
3) David Warner vs Matt Henry
Matt Henry has played a pivotal role for New Zealand in the tournament, picking up 10 wickets in five matches. His next challenge will be to face David Warner. Henry has a strong track record against Warner, having dismissed him on four occasions in ODIs while conceding 90 runs. Warner, who has already notched up two consecutive centuries in the competition, will aim to continue his remarkable form, setting the stage for an exciting showdown.