Australia, in a quest to give their net run rate a boost, will take on off-colour Bangladesh in a crucial Round 1 match on Thursday in Dubai. With four points from three games and an NRR of -0.627, they are chasing competing with South Africa, who have six points from four matches and an NRR of +0.742. The other spot has almost been claimed by England, who are unbeaten in the tournament so far.
The hammering against England has been Australia's only defeat in this T20 World Cup. The margin of the defeat has taken a toll on their NRR, undoing most of the good work against South Africa and Sri Lanka.
Nevertheless, David Warner's return to form has been a massive plus for Australia. Against Bangladesh, they should look to bat and hope for their top order to fire to post a massive total before handing over to the proceedings to the bowlers, who have been quite impressive so far.
Bangladesh, on the other hand, will sign off their campaign in this T20 World Cup with this game. Despite conditions in Oman during the qualifying round and in UAE during the Super 12 stage favouring their style of play, they have had a disappointing campaign throughout, right from the opening day of this World Cup.
Even in the first round, they had lost lost to Scotland and were pushed by Oman. Then, in the Super 12s, they could not defend 171 against Sri Lanka, and failed to chase a mid-range target against the West Indies. And in the last game, they were bowled out for 84 by South Africa.
In between all these, they also lost Shakib Al Hasan to an injury.
Overall, nothing has gone right for Bangladesh in this World Cup. Now, against Australia, they will play for their pride and hope to provide something to cheer for their massive fan base.
It will be an afternoon encounter, so neither team needs to worry about the dew in Dubai. The toss will not be as crucial as it is in the evening games, and Bangladesh can unleash their spinners.
Likely XIs
Australia: David Warner, Aaron Finch (c), Mitchell Marsh, Steven Smith, Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, Matthew Wade (wk), Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Adam Zampa, Josh Hazlewood
Bangladesh: Mohammad Naim, Liton Das (wk), Soumya Sarkar, Mushfiqur Rahim, Mahmudullah (c), Afif Hossain, Shamim Hossain, Mahedi Hasan, Taskin Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman, Shoriful Islam
Fantasy tips
- Maxwell's form has dipped in this competition. However, you can back him to get into the groove against the inconsistent Bangladesh attack.
- Shoriful is third-leading wicket-taker among seamers in T20Is this year. So you may want to pick him in the XI.
- Mustafizur, who missed the last match against South Africa, is likely to return. However, given his recent form, it is not recommended to pick him ahead of the likes of Starc and Cummins.
Fantasy XI
Matthew Wade, Liton Das, David Warner (c), Aaron Finch, Mahmudullah, Mushfiqur Rahim, Mahedi Hasan, Glenn Maxwell, Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc (vc), Adam Zampa