Afghanistan's massive battle against Australia to keep semifinal hopes alive  

Betting Odds

Our Predictions 

• David Warner has odds of 3.41 to be the best batsman for Australia.  
• Rahmat Shah has odds of 4.09 to be Afghanistan's best batsman
• Mitchell Starc has odds of 3.08 to be Australia's best bowler  
• Rashid Khan has odds of 2.84 to be the best bowler for Afghanistan 

MATCH PREVIEW     

Five-time champions will aim for a berth in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 semifinal as they take on Afghanistan in the 39th game. The Australians have won the last five games and defeated England in the previous game. According to cricket betting sites, they are missing a few key players but have enough firepower in the squad to win this game. Afghanistan defeated the Netherlands in the last game, and it is a must-win game for the side to have a chance of finishing in the top 4. They have punched above their weight in this tournament, and it will be interesting to see how they approach this game.  

Australia Preview      

Pat Cummins' side had its hiccups in the last games against England, but the side knocked the defending champions out of the tournament with a 33-run win. Their odds have improved, and the side is in third place on the points table. They have won five games in a row and are playing well. Cummins would want his side to drive this momentum and book a berth in the semifinal.  

David Warner has battled well in the tournament and will look to deliver a good start in this game with Travis Head. In the middle order, the side will expect runs from Steven Smith, Marnus Labuschagne, and Josh Inglis, as they have done well. Cameron Green, Marcus Stoinis, and Pat Cummins can hit the ball a long distance and add solidity to this batting lineup.   

The bowling attack is looking in good shape. The speed trio of Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, and Cummins shall look to trouble the Afghan top order that has been in phenomenal form in this tournament. Adam Zampa has picked 19 wickets and is the leading wicket-taker, and he has an important role. Green, Stoinis, and Labuschagne add depth to this bowling attack.   

Expected Starting XI for Australia     

Pat Cummins (c), David Warner, Travis Head, Steven Smith, Marnus Labuschagne, Josh Inglis (wk), Cameron Green, Marcus Stoinis, Mitchell Starc, Adam Zampa, Josh Hazlewood 

Afghanistan Preview      

Hashmatullah Shahidi's side has put up spirited performances in the tournament. They have won three games, much against what most cricket betting tips would have suggested at the start of the tournament. They defeated the Netherlands by seven wickets in the last game and have momentum. They have never won an ODI game against Australia but can count their chances in this game.  

The top order has batted well, and the side will expect a good show from  Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran, as the Australian bowlers will come hard at them. Rahmat Shah and Hashmatullah Shahidi have been the backbone of this lineup, and they will look to add runs with Azmatullah Omarzai. Ikram Alikhil, Mohammad Nabi, and Rashid Khan would like to use the short boundaries to free their arms in the lower middle order.  

Mujeeb Ur Rahman and Fazalhaq Farooqi have used the new ball brilliantly, and early wickets from them can put the side in a strong position. The middle overs from Rashid Khan and Mohammad Nabi will be crucial as they have the skills to trouble the Aussies. Noor Ahmed and Azmatullah Omarzai must deliver the goods in the supporting role on this wicket that has produced lots of runs.  

Expected Starting XI for Afghanistan      

Hashmatullah Shahidi (c), Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Ibrahim Zadran, Rahmat Shah, Mohammad Nabi, Ikram Alikhil (wk), Azmatullah Omarzai, Rashid Khan, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Naveen-ul-Haq, Fazalhaq Farooqi 

TOSS: To Bat First      

Three games played here have seen massive wins for the side batting first. The wicket changes its character in the second innings and becomes challenging to bat on. The side winning the toss won't hesitate to bat first on this wicket.   

PITCH AND WEATHER CONDITIONS      

There will be clear skies over Mumbai on November 7. This wicket has been flat, and we have seen massive scores, with the sides batting first, posting 350+ scores in all three games at this venue. There is little for the bowlers on this track in the first innings, and the side batting first shall look to put 330 runs or more on this track.  

OUR PREDICTION      

Afghanistan has a baggage of history against Australia. They mustn't let it burden them and play with an open mind. They must be aggressive with the bat and the ball to have a strong chance in this game. Australians have been clinical in the last five games. They have a strong batting lineup and pace attack that can trouble the Afghans. Based on the team strengths, the Australians start favorites in this game.  

Our Prediction is for Australia to win.