Expert Analysis and Betting Tips of AUS VS AFG CWC 2023

MATCH ANALYSIS IN BRIEF

Date	Tuesday 7^th November 2023 at 13:00 (IST) and at 08:30 (UK)
Venue	Australia vs Afghanistan will take place at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, India
Weather	Conditions are expected to be exceedingly hot and sunny with uncomfortable temperatures of 35 C at the start of play and despite the sun setting later in the day, temperatures are not expected to drop below 30 C across the entirety of this match
TV & Streaming	Viewers in India: you can watch this match live on Star Sports channels or stream it via the Disney+ Hotstar app.
	Viewers in Pakistan: you can watch this match live on both PTV Sports and A-Sports or stream it through the PTVFLIX App.
	Viewers in Sri Lanka: you can watch this match live on Maharaja TV or stream it on Sirasatv. Lk.
	Viewers in Afghanistan: you can watch this match live on Ariana TV.
	Viewers in Bangladesh: you can watch it on Gazi TV or stream it through Rabbithole.
	Viewers in the UK: you can watch this match live on Sky Sports or stream it via the Sky Go App.
	Viewers in Australia: you can watch this match live on Fox Sports or stream it via the Foxtel or Kayo Sports app.
	Viewers in South Africa: you can watch this match on SuperSport channels or stream it via the SuperSport app.
	Viewers in the USA and Canada: you can watch this match live on Willow TV, whilst viewers from the USA can also stream it via the ESPN+ app.

KEY BETTING STATS

Australia have won each of their last five 2023 ICC Cricket World Cup group stage matches – To Win the Match
Rahmat Shah has scored a fifty in each of Afghanistan’s last three 2023 ICC Cricket World Cup group stage matches – Batter to Score a Fifty in the Match
Adam Zampa has taken 3+ wickets in each of Australia’s last five 2023 ICC Cricket World Cup group stage matches – Bowler Milestones

BETTING ANALYSIS For AUSTRALIA

Australia’s hard-fought 33-run win over England in Ahmedabad this past Saturday means that victory here over Afghanistan would secure a place in the semi-finals. They are likely to have both Mitchell Marsh and Glenn Maxwell back available after the two all-rounders missed the England game due to personal reasons and concussion respectively. This may see Cameron Green and Marcus Stoinis drop back out of the XI.

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The last three games played at Wankhede Stadium have seen scores of 357/8, 382/5, and 399/7 accrued by the side batting first. Should Australia be in this position following the toss, then investment in their top order has to be favored. Despite only scoring 15 against England, expect David Warner to bounce back strongly. The 37-year-old opener boasts 428 runs across the group stage so far, the most among the Australian squad, and 156 runs higher than his nearest teammate.

Back Warner to finish as Australia’s top batter (4.00) and to record what would be his fourth 50+ score of the tournament (2.25) via the ‘Batter Milestones’ market. Investment in Marnus Labuschagne is also worth considering following a confidence-boosting score of 71 vs England and backing him to gain over 31.5 runs (1.83) may prove a smart play.

Adam Zampa’s 3/21 on Saturday took him to the top of the overall wicket-taking charts across the competition as it stands, with 19 scalps so far. After picking up one wicket in Australia’s first two group games, the leg-spin bowler has since racked up 18 wickets from five matches including three four-wicket-hauls. Back Zampa to finish as Australia’s top bowler vs Afghanistan (3.60) and those looking for a safer bet can back him to take over 1.5 wickets (1.53).

BETTING ANALYSIS For AFGHANISTAN

Afghanistan’s third consecutive group stage win against the Netherlands now puts them in a position where two points in this match would see them draw level with the Australians on 10 points. However, their bowling attack will be heavily challenged on what is likely to be a very friendly batting surface in Mumbai, with their spinners no doubt set to play an important role.

While Afghanistan pulled off an incredible four run-outs vs Netherlands, their six wickets which fell to bowlers all came through spin. 18-year-old Noor Ahmad had already impressed with 3/49 against Pakistan earlier in the group stage and his second appearance on Friday saw him record 2/31. With that in mind, should Ahmad be among the Afghanistan starting line-up then back him to take over 1.5 wickets (3.25) for a third time.

The experience of Mohammad Nabi may also be a critical factor in this contest. Nabi gained figures of 3/28 last time out and could end up being required down the order with the bat. Therefore, utilize the ‘Player Performance Market’ and back Nabi to score over 34.5 points (1.83). Points are awarded through the accumulation of wickets, runs, and catches.

The consistency of Rahmat Shah batting at number three has been a big part of Afghanistan’s recent success. His last three innings have seen him rack up scores of 52, 62, and 77 not out. On a Wankhede Stadium pitch, it would be no surprise to see Shah continue his good form and investors can capitalize by backing him to score over 23.5 runs (1.83). Those bettors looking for a higher profit margin can back Shah to record his fourth consecutive score of 50+ runs (3.50).

CRICKET 8’S EXPERT PREDICTION

The stakes are high for both nations in this highly-anticipated showdown. The two teams are each in very good form and have grown accustomed to winning games of cricket. However, Australia have beaten Afghanistan in each of their three previous encounters in 50-over cricket and the five-time world champions come into the game as clear favourites to get the better of Hashmatullah Shahidi’s side in Mumbai.

The key for Australia is how well Adam Zampa has bowled for them throughout the group stage so far. Batters often look to attack the leg-spinner, which leads to them making a mistake that costs them their wicket. Zampa averages over three wickets across his last five group stage appearances and is coming off the back of consecutive three-wicket-hauls. Therefore, the sensible move is to back Zampa to pick up another three wickets in this crucial fixture.