In a quest to seal a spot in the semi-finals, Australia will take on West Indies in a Group 1 game at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi on Saturday. With a net run rate of +1.031 and 6 points, Australia are placed better than South Africa, their competitors. A defeat can change the equations drastically, especially with South Africa (NRR +0.742 with 6 points) playing the evening game against England at Sharjah.
Australia are coming into this game after a thumping win over Bangladesh in which Adam Zampa took 5-19 on a dry pitch. Along with that, Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell Starc have bowled fairly well in this competition. The openers, Aaron Finch and David Warner, have fired, though the form of Glenn Maxwell has dipped a bit. That, however, is yet to cause major headache.
West Indies, the defending champions, have had a dismal World Cup. Barring the close win against Bangladesh, they have lost all games. And on most occasions, they have failed to put up a fight. Their much-talked about power-hitters have not lived up to expectations. Barring Shimron Hetmyer and Nicholas Pooran, they have not been consistent.
Even among bowlers, apart from left-arm spinner Akeal Hosein, no other West Indies bowler has made any impact whatsoever. And against an in-from batting line-up like Australia's, it will be a stiff ask.
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
West Indies: Evin Lewis, Chris Gayle, Roston Chase, Shimron Hetmyer, Nicholas Pooran (wk), Kieron Pollard (c), Andre Russell, Dwayne Bravo, Jason Holder, Akeal Hosein, Ravi Rampaul
Fantasy tips
- In an afternoon game in Abu Dhabi, the pitch is likely to take turn. Do not forget to have Zampa and Hosein in your XI.
- Maxwell's form hasn't been encouraging of late but you can back him for this game. Also, he has contributed with ball in hand.
- Pooran has to be your keeper-batsman for this match. Amongst all the West Indies batters, he has looked the only one with some form on his side.
Fantasy XI
Nicholas Pooran (wk), David Warner, Aaron Finch, Evin Lewis, Glenn Maxwell, Andre Russell, Jason Holder, Mitchell Starc, Adam Zampa, Akeal Hosein, Josh Hazlewood