ODI World Cup 2023: New Zealand's strongest predicted playing XI against Australia

New Zealand (NZ) got off to a flying start in the ODI World Cup 2023 with four wins on the trot. However, they ended up on the losing side in their most recent game against India. They will look to get back to winning ways when they take on trans-Tasman rivals Australia in Dharamsala in a high-voltage clash on Saturday, October 28.

Kane Williamson is yet to recover after fracturing his thumb in the game against Bangladesh. Tom Latham has led the team nicely in Williamson's absence and the wicketkeeper-batter won't look to tinker too much with the playing XI just after one loss in five.

Here's New Zealand's Predicted XI against Australia:

Openers: Devon Conway, Will Young

Conway scored an incredible century against England in the opening encounter of the World Cup but has failed to convert his starts in the subsequent matches. Against India, he encountered a rare failure as he was dismissed for a nine-ball duck. He is known for his consistency and if he gets himself set, Australia could be in for some leather-chasing. Meanwhile, Will Young has scored two half-centuries in the four games. He is a solid batter, who likes to take his time at the crease and change gears with time. If Conway gets going, Young could be the perfect foil for him.

Middle Order: Tom Latham (c, wk), Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, Mark Chapman

Tom Latham has batted only thrice in the five games so far. He has managed to score a couple of half-centuries and has a strike rate of 99.21 in the tournament. He has also been giving his bowlers valuable tips from behind the stumps and his calmness in pressure situations has held the Kiwis in good stead.

Daryl Mitchell has been in impeccable form so far in the tournament. He scored a brilliant 130 off 127 balls against India and is averaging 89.33 in the five games so far, striking at 108.06. The 32-year-old will look to continue his purple patch against the five-time champions.

Glenn Phillips is the X-factor in the Kiwi lineup. He scored a brilliant 71 against Afghanistan but has no other innings of note apart from that. However, if Phillips gets going, he could change the course of the game and the Aussie bowlers will do well to dismiss him before he gets his eye in.

Mark Chapman is playing as a specialist batter in the No. 7 position. He has not made a mark as yet in what is considered one of the toughest slots to bat in white-ball cricket. Chapman has the potential to bounce back after accumulating just 36 runs in three innings so far in the tournament.

Also check: Most runs in ODI World Cup 2023

All-rounders: Rachin Ravindra, Mitchell Santner

Rachin Ravindra has been the standout performer for New Zealand in the showpiece event. He is the leading run-getter for his team, with 290 runs at an average of 72.50 and a strike rate of 100.69. The youngster has also chipped in with the ball, picking up three wickets.

Mitchell Santner is just behind Adam Zampa on the list of leading wicket-takers in the tournament. He has picked up 12 wickets in five games at an impressive average of 16.92. Santner will hold the key in the middle overs against the Aussies. The 31-year-old has not had the opportunity to face too many balls but he scored a crucial 17-ball 36* against Netherlands earlier in the tournament.

Bowlers: Matt Henry, Trent Boult, Lockie Ferguson

New Zealand have a very impressive trio of pacers in their ranks. Matt Henry has done exceedingly well, picking up 10 wickets in five matches at 21.70. He is expected to play a crucial role with the new ball against the in-form David Warner and the fit-again Travis Head.

Trent Boult is the most experienced pacer in the Kiwi setup. He is yet to fire on all cylinders in the tournament as he has picked up just six wickets in five matches at an average of 34.17. However, he loves playing against the Aussies as he has picked up 39 wickets in 15 encounters. If the left-arm seamer can find his mojo, he would be a handful for the 'Men in Yellow'.

Lockie Ferguson is the fastest bowler in the New Zealand team by a distance. He has picked up eight wickets in four matches and bowled economically as well. His ability to pick wickets in the middle overs is a great advantage for New Zealand.

Also Check: Most Wickets in ODI World Cup 2023

New Zealand predicted XI:

Devon Conway, Will Young, Rachin Ravindra, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Latham (C & WK), Glenn Phillips, Mark Chapman, Mitchell Santner, Matt Henry, Lockie Ferguson, Trent Boult