As far as the group stages go, not many games look more thrilling than Saturday’s blockbuster between tournament co-hosts Australia and New Zealand.
The last time the trans-Tasman rivals faced off was on the February 25, 2011, in the World Cup group stages.
The game holds more than just bragging rights, with the outcome playing a big part in standings of group A, as well as the Chappell-Hadlee trophy up for grabs.
Both sides capable of hitting large totals. In their last five innings of batting first, Australia and New Zealand have averaged scores of 325 and 341 respectively.
Kiwi skipper Brendon McCullum has the highest strike rate of the tournament with 182.55, with fellow batsmen Corey Anderson’s strike rate 138.70. McCullum is also the one of the tournament’s highest run scorers, having totalled 157 runs in three starts.
Australia have only played one game to date, when opener Aaron Finch showed his form scoring 135 against the Poms. Finch’s partner David Warner is also known for his ability to clear the rope.
The game is being played at Eden Park in Auckland – a stadium which as hosted many clashes between Australia and New Zealand’s rugby sides, and has become a nightmare ground for the Wallabies. With just a 55-metre straight boundary from the centre of the pitch, leaving only 45 metres behind the batsmen to the boundary, the makeshift cricket ground will be hosting a runsfest. Warner, Finch, McCullum and Anderson will be licking their lips at the chance to capitalise on the post-stamp sized field.
While doing no favours for the economy rates of bowlers, you can guarantee that it won’t be stopping world class bowlers like Mitch Johnson, Mitch Starc, Tim Southee and Trent Boult from going after the batsmen.
Both sides are expected to coast through all other group games, this could well decide who will finish first and second in group A. Australia are currently favourites, the bookies have them at $1.66, while the Kiwis are paying $2.20.
Black Caps all-rounder Anderson thinks his side have an edge, claiming that their familiarity and experience with the ground will provide an advantage, and that it can be a daunting experience bowling at Eden Park. The Aussies’ form says otherwise, they have won nearly 70 per cent of ODIs, and four of the last five against the Kiwis.
On the day, none of that matters, the team that can capitalise on their chances, bowl well at the death, and perform well with the bat will see victory.
While batting first and scoring big has been an effective game plan so far this World Cup, losing the toss will definitely not decide this one. It looks to be an absolute cracker! Records are expected to be broken, runs are certainly going to be scored, and I don’t think either team will hold back on the chit chat in the field either.
Get the BBQ ready, the beers cold and the couch comfy, because this will be one of the best clashes of the 2015 World Cup.
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