Bangladesh will take on five-time world champions Australia at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Pune from 11 am (local time) today.

The two teams have had drastically different World Cup campaigns so far, with the Bangladesh Tigers losing all their matches after their opening encounter against Afghanistan, apart from a win in their last outing against Sri Lanka.

Bangladesh are in a fight to be among the top eight teams to qualify for the Champions Trophy. An upset will go a long way towards this and notching consecutive victories will also ensure a strong finish for Bangladesh, whose tournament hopes nosedived after beating Afghanistan in their opener.

But there is a feeling that this is more than the end of their campaign amid off-field rumblings. Bangladesh are dealing with several exits from their dressing room. Fast-bowling coach Allan Donald and computer analyst Shrinivas Chandrasekaran have announced that they won't be renewing their contracts. 

In Donald's case, there is controversy as the BCB sought an explanation from him after he criticised captain Shakib Al Hasan's appeal in the drama over Angelo Mathews' timed out dismissal.

More coaching staff changes are likely, but Bangladesh will be hoping the off-field turmoil does not affect them in their bid to finish a disappointing World Cup campaign on a bright note.

The Aussies, on the other hand, have won six games in a row after their opening two defeats to India and South Africa. The Kangaroos have found a hero at every stage of the tournament, from the batting prowess of David Warner, Travis Head, Steve Smith and Mitchell Marsh to the bowling wizardry of Adam Zampa and the Aussie quickies.

Bangladesh, on the other hand, would have been encouraged by a much-needed win over rivals Sri Lanka in their last outing. However, the loss of captain Shakib al Hasan to injury could add to the Men in Green's woes.

Australia and Bangladesh world cup squad:

Australia squad: Pat Cummins (C), Steve Smith, Alex Carey, Josh Inglis, Sean Abbott, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Marnus Labuschagne, Mitch Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, David Warner, Adam Zampa, Mitchell Starc.

Bangladesh squad: Najmul Hossain Shanto (C), Litton Kumer Das, Tanzid Hasan Tamim, Anamul Haque, Tawhid Hridoy, Mushfiqur Rahim, Mahmudullah Riyad, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Nasum Ahmed, Shak Mahedi Hasan, Taskin Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman, Hasan Mahmud, Shoriful Islam, Tanzim Hasan Sakib.

Source: online 
 
BDST: 1013 HRS, NOV 11, 2023
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