Australia vs. Bangladesh: Date, Live Stream, TV Info, Preview

Australia will continue their challenge for the World Cup when they take on Bangladesh in Brisbane on Saturday.

Date: Saturday, February 21

Time: 1:30 p.m. local / 3:30 a.m. GMT

Venue: Brisbane Cricket Ground, Brisbane

Weather: According to Weatherzone, the forecast is not good. There is a high chance of rain and the match being called off as a consequence.

TV Info and Live Stream: The official broadcasters of the 2015 Cricket World Cup are Sky Sports (UK) and ESPN (U.S.). Mobile coverage is available via the Sky Go app and Watch ESPN.

Overview

The match between Australia and Bangladesh is at risk of being called off following a cyclone in the area. The ICC said in a statement that they will continue to monitor the situation and make a call on the day.

Assuming the match does go ahead, it’s highly likely that it will be reduced in one way or another. Whatever the format, Australia have the upper hand by far. They are in stupendous form and have home advantage. After a convincing victory over England in their opening fixture, the hosts are also high on confidence.

All of Australia’s big players seem to have hit form at the same time, and as one of the most well-balanced teams of the tournament, it’s difficult to see anyone getting past them. They have won eight matches in a row and will also be boosted by the return of Michael Clarke.

Bangladesh also won their opening fixture, beating Afghanistan, but that was very much an expected victory. For Bangladesh to beat Australia, or even to come close, they will need an otherworldly performance from their key players, something that is difficult to see happening.

It’s been 10 years since Bangladesh last won an ODI against Australia, and in their last 19 meetings, Bangladesh have managed just one victory. That came in Cardiff back in June 2005. Michael Clarke and Mashrafe Mortaza are the only two active players who participated in that game.

Key Players

Australia

Aaron Finch will valuable in this match, since he can easily adapt to either 20 or 50 overs, depending on what the weather dictates. After hitting a century in the opening match, he’ll be high on confidence and looking to pick up where he left off.

Bangladesh

Shakib Al Hasan remains Bangladesh’s most valuable player and can also easily adapt should there be a reduction in overs. Bangladesh will look to him to provide impetus both with both bat and ball should a match get underway.

Squads

Australia: Aaron Finch, David Warner, Shane Watson, Michael Clarke (c), Steven Smith, Glenn Maxwell, Mitchell Marsh, Brad Haddin (w), Mitchell Johnson, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, Pat Cummins, George Bailey and Xavier Doherty.

Bangladesh: Anamul Haque, Tamim Iqbal, Mominul Haque, Mahmudullah, Shakib Al Hasan, Mushfiqur Rahim (w), Soumya Sarkar, Mashrafe Mortaza (c), Sabbir Rahman, Rubel Hossain, Taskin Ahmed, Al-Amin Hossain, Arafat Sunny, Nasir Hossain and Taijul Islam.