CWC 2023: Australia vs New Zealand match preview

Both teams head into this highly anticipated Trans-Tasman rivalry on the back of contrasting results. New Zealand suffered their first defeat of the tournament, against India at the same venue, in their previous game, while Australia defeated Netherlands by more than 300 runs in the biggest victory in World Cup history.

Australia would be looking forward to the return of Travis Head in their XI. If he comes back, Mitchell Marsh will have to shift down the order and either Marnus Labuschagne or Cameron Green will have to make way. Tim Southee is available for selection for New Zealand, but given the way their current seam bowling trio have performed, it’s unlikely that he will get a look in.

AUS vs NZ fantasy tips 

# David Warner has a poor record against Matt Henry, having been dismissed four times by him at an average of 22.50. While Warner is in good form, the conditions in Dharamsala are spicy for fast bowlers and will make it difficult for him. Leaving him out of your XI is a risk you can take.

# Dharamsala has been conducive to seam bowling, particularly under lights. Pick as many seam bowlers from both sides as possible, with Mitchell Starc, Trent Boult, and Matt Henry being certainties.

# The New Zealand middle order has been consistently coming good in the last couple of games. Daryl Mitchell scored a hundred at this venue in the last game and negotiated Kuldeep Yadav well. He should feature in your XI.

# Glenn Maxwell scored the fastest World Cup hundred in the previous game. He is also regularly bowling for Australia at this World Cup. He is a must-have in your fantasy XI.

Australia vs New Zealand: Predicted XI

Australia: David Warner, Travis Head, Steve Smith, Mitchell Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Josh Inglis (wk), Cameron Green, Pat Cummins (c), Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, Adam Zampa.

New Zealand: Will Young, Devon Conway, Rachin Ravindra, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Latham (c) (wk), Glenn Phillips, Mitchell Santner, Mark Chapman, Lockie Ferguson, Trent Boult, Matt Henry.

AUS vs NZ: Dream11 team

Wicketkeepers: Tom Latham, Devon Conway

Batters: Steve Smith, Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips

All-rounders: Glenn Maxwell

Bowlers: Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Starc (c), Trent Boult, Adam Zampa, Matt Henry (vc)

Captaincy options: Matt Henry, Mitchell Starc, Trent Boult

Potential swaps: Travis Head in place of Glenn Phillips, David Warner in place of Adam Zampa