The 4th match of the 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup will witness an epic clash between Afghanistan and Australia on June 1 (Saturday). The teams are pole apart on paper; however, with the wayward form that Australia is currently in, and the knack that Afghanistan has to get past sides (in such situations) will make the battle much more interesting. Both Australia and Afghanistan have had pretty decent outings in World Cup 2019 warm-up matches. As the team readies themselves for their first impression in the ICC World Cup 2019, we bring you a list of mini-battles that the fans should look forward to. Afghanistan vs Australia, ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 Match Preview: AUS Look to Start Well Against AFG.

1.. Mohammad Shahzad vs Mitchell Starc

One of the most entertaining batsmen in the associate cricket world, Mohammad Shahzad is the most explosive batsman in the Afghanistan camp. His flamboyance and orthodox (read: brutal) hitting is something fans would be looking forward to.

On the other hand, it will be Mitchell Starc who would be testing Shahzad’s footwork and strokeplay by bowling teasing swinging deliveries and searing Yorkers. How Starc manages to ward off Shahzad’s threat (if he is able to) will be a sight to watch for the fans. Afghanistan vs Australia Cricket Score 4th ODI Match.

2.. Rashid Khan vs Steve Smith

One of the most-looked for battles will be between Rashid Khan and Steve Smith. Rashid has established himself at the world stage and we all know what Steve Smith is made of. As the battle between Afghanistan and Australia ensues, it will be interesting to see which of the two trump cards, of either team, trump each other and emerge victorious eventually. It will be a treat to game’s lovers to see the best of both worlds collide at the showpiece event, perhaps for the first time. ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 – Points Table

3.Pat Cummins vs Asghar Afghan

Asghar Afghan has been the mainstay of Afghanistan’s lineup for a long time now. The former captain, with his vast experience, would be looking to see off the danger posed by Australian bowlers, especially Pat Cummins. Will Asghar prevail or Cummins will have the last laugh, is for time to tell. However, it will be exciting for the viewers to see how Asghar negates the challenge that he faces from Cummins’ raw pace and bounce.

Afghanistan will lock horns with Australia at the County Ground in Bristol on Saturday. The ground’s shorter boundaries will test the bowling strength of both the teams. It will be a highly improbable task for Afghanistan to trounce Australia – who is tipped as one of the semi-finalists – in their opening game. However, given the unpredictability of the game, it can be anybody’s game. Stay tuned to LatestLY for all the latest updates about ICC World Cup 2019.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jun 01, 2019 09:12 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).