India vs Australia ICC World Cup 2023: Match Prediction, Preview and Expected Team. Read this article to find out the latest news, stats, and analysis of the upcoming clash between the two cricket giants in the world cup
India and Australia are set to clash in the fifth match of the ICC World Cup 2023 on Sunday, October 8, at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. This is expected to be one of the most exciting and competitive matches of the tournament, as both teams are among the favorites to lift the trophy. Here is a prediction about how the match might unfold, based on the current form, head-to-head record, pitch conditions, and expected team of both sides.
Current Form of India and Australia
India is ranked number one in the ICC ODI rankings, and has been in superb form in the recent series. India won the ODI series against England 2-1 in March 2023, and then whitewashed Sri Lanka 3-0 in July 2023. India’s batting has been led by captain Rohit Sharma, who scored two centuries and two fifties in six matches this year. Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, and Hardik Pandya have also been among the runs, while Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, and Kuldeep Yadav have been the main wicket-takers.
Australia is ranked third in the ICC ODI rankings, and has also been in good form in the recent series. Australia won the ODI series against New Zealand 3-0 in March 2023, and then beat West Indies 2-1 in July 2023. Australia’s batting has been led by Steve Smith, who scored three centuries and one fifty in six matches this year. David Warner, Marnus Labuschagne, Glenn Maxwell, and Alex Carey have also been among the runs, while Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Adam Zampa, and Scott Boland have been the main wicket-takers.
Head-to-Head Record
India and Australia have played each other 12 times in ODIs since 2020, and have won six matches each. In the World Cup history, India and Australia have played each other 12 times as well, with Australia winning eight matches and India winning four. The last time they met in a World Cup match was in the semi-final of the 2019 edition, where Australia beat India by 95 runs. However, India has a slight edge over Australia in terms of recent form and home advantage.
Pitch Conditions
The pitch at the MA Chidambaram Stadium is expected to be a turner, as it usually favours spinners more than pacers. The average first innings score at this venue in ODIs is 239, while the average second innings score is 214. The highest total at this venue is 337/7 by Pakistan against Sri Lanka in 1997, while the lowest total is 69 by Kenya against New Zealand in 1996. The team batting first has won 18 matches and lost 15 matches at this venue in ODIs.
Expected Team
India is likely to go with the same playing XI that beat Sri Lanka in the last ODI series. Rohit Sharma will open with Shubman Gill [ He is doubtful because of dengue ], followed by Virat Kohli at number three. Shreyas Iyer will bat at number four, while KL Rahul will keep wickets and bat at number five. Hardik Pandya will be the all-rounder at number six, while Ravindra Jadeja will be the spin-bowling all-rounder at number seven. Shardul Thakur will be the seam-bowling all-rounder at number eight, while Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, and Kuldeep Yadav will complete the bowling attack.
Australia is likely to make one change to their playing XI that beat West Indies in the last ODI series. David Warner will return to open with Usman Khawaja, replacing D’Arcy Short. Marnus Labuschagne will bat at number three, followed by Steve Smith at number four. Travis Head will bat at number five, while Cameron Green will be the all-rounder at number six. Alex Carey will keep wickets and bat at number seven, while Pat Cummins will lead the bowling attack as captain. Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, and Scott Boland will complete the bowling attack.
Match Prediction
Based on the current form, head-to-head record, pitch conditions, and expected team of both sides, the prediction for India vs Australia ICC World Cup match is that India will win by a narrow margin of fewer than 20 runs or less than three wickets. India has a more balanced and experienced team than Australia and has a better record at home.
India also has more variety and depth in their bowling attack, especially in spin. Australia has a strong batting line-up but might struggle against India’s spinners on a turning track. Australia also has a potent pace attack, but might not get much assistance from the pitch. Therefore, India has a slight edge over Australia in this match and is likely to emerge victorious.
