In what is expected to be the closest match of the World Cup so far, co-hosts and tournament favourites Australia and New Zealand will clash at Auckland on Saturday. While Australia have traditionally been favourites against their Trans-Tasman rivals, this time the Kiwis will feel that they have an equal chance of winning since they have as strong a side as any in the tournament. They have also got off to the most impressive start in the event thus far, winning all three of their games so far, two of them in a highly convincing manner. In fact, they might consider having a slight edge as Australia's last game against Bangladesh was a washout, and they haven't played a match for a while.
New Zealand will be keen to maintain their winning run. It won't be easy against the Australians, but if their skipper Brendon McCullum can fire, then they should fancy their chances. The New Zealand captain has been in destructive form in recent times, and the manner in which he thrashed the England bowlers around was almost unbelievable, and he would be keen to continue the great work. The form of Kane Williamson should also give the Kiwis a lot of confidence. One of the brightest talents going around in international cricket, Williamson is also in peak form, making New Zealand an extremely strong batting outfit.
New Zealand's overall batting has been extremely impressive as well with Corey Anderson, Grant Elliott and Luke Ronchi all equally capable of winning matches on their own on a given day. At the same time, a couple of their batsmen must look to get back among the runs. Martin Guptill has got starts, but hasn't transformed them. Ross Taylor is among the few Kiwis who hasn't got runs, and hence would be keen to get some under his blade. Their bowling is also looking extremely sharp. Tim Southee was sensational against England, and Trent Boult has given him good company. It remains to be seen how Daniel Vettori turns up against the old enemy.
Australia themselves would be confident of doing well. However, there are a couple of factors they need to overcome. While most other sides have featured in at least two games, Australia are the only one two have played only one as their game against Bangladesh was ruined due to rain. It has almost seemed like they had taken a short sabbatical in the midst of the World Cup. They have been practicing for sure, but it remains to be seen how the unwanted break has affected them. Secondly, Aussies will be playing at Auckland, which means the Kiwis would have a definite home advantage.
Man to man, Australia can match the Kiwis in every department, in fact in some they can outdo them as well. They just need to turn up and make their presence felt. David Warner can often have the defining role in big clashes, so Australia would be depending on him to get them off to a rollicking start. The form of Glenn Maxwell is also important to the Aussies, and they would be pleased that he is among the runs. Enough has been said about Steven Smith and his Bradmanesque run with the bat. In the bowling department, the two Mitchells, Starc and Johnson, have been firing nicely, and the overall balance of the side has been impressive. There is nothing really to choose between the two teams though, as mentioned earlier, Kiwis hold the slightest of edge.
--By A Cricket Analyst
