The ongoing T20 World Cup has already entered into its Super Eight leg, and the 44th match of the tournament will see Australia and Bangladesh from Group 1 lock horns at Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, North Sound, Antigua, on June 20 (local time). This marks the first game for both sides in the Super Eight fixture in this mega event.
Australia won all four matches of Group Stage fixtures and finished number one in the Group B points table. They will aim to carry their momentum into the Super Eight fixture and ensure a couple of valuable points in this clash.
On the other hand, Bangladesh won three out of four games in the league stage fixtures to confirm their berth in the Super Eight, finishing second in the Group D points table. The Shanto-led side started their T20 World Cup 2024 campaign with a thrilling victory over Sri Lanka and were on the cusp of handing a defeat to South Africa in their second game but fell just 4 runs short of the Proteas’ total. They need to play out of their skin to give a tough fight to the formidable Australian side. 
With both sides eying two points, let us quickly explore the pitch report, top players, head-to-head stats, and match prediction for this encounter.
Sir Vivian Richards Stadium Pitch Report
The Sir Vivian Richards Stadium has been favorable for the bowlers in the ongoing T20 World Cup, and pacers have grabbed more wickets than spinners in recent times on this surface. The batters have faced difficulties scoring runs on this pitch during the Group Stage fixtures. However, in the first Super Eight fixture on Wednesday, South Africa managed to post 194/4 against USA, marking the highest score achieved at this venue so far.
Sir Vivian Richards Stadium Pitch Stats
Total Matches: 34
Matches won batting first: 16
Matches won bowling first: 16
Average 1st innings Score: 122
Average 2nd innings Score: 105
Highest total recorded: 194/4 By RSA vs USA
Lowest total recorded: 47/10 By OMAN vs ENG
AUS vs BAN Head-to-Head
Australia and Bangladesh have collided 10 times in T20Is, with the Aussies emerging victorious on 6 occasions, while Bangladesh came out on top 4 times.
AUS vs BAN Top Players Predictions
Marcus Stoinis (AUS):
The Aussie all-rounder is in scintillating form in the ongoing T20 World Cup. He has smashed 156 runs in 3 innings, including two fifties, and has 6 wickets to his name. Batting in the middle order, he accelerates the innings from the outset with rapid scoring. In bowling, he is likely to operate in the middle overs and could deceive the batters with cutters.
Travis Head (AUS):
The left-handed batter has stockpiled 148 runs in 4 innings in the ongoing World Cup, including fifty in his most recent game against Scotland. With his aggressive approach, he lays a solid foundation for Australia, and if he gets going, the bowlers seem to be clueless against him.
Tanzim Hasan Sakib (BAN):
The right-arm pacer played a crucial role in Bangladesh’s victory over Nepal, securing four wickets to help defend a modest total of 106 runs. He is the leading wicket-taker for Bangladesh in this World Cup, scalping 9 wickets in 4 matches.
AUS vs BAN Hit or Miss Prediction
Glenn Maxwell (AUS): Maxwell has been grappling with his form in recent times and only mustered 39 runs in 3 innings in the ongoing World Cup. However, Maxwell is synonymous with solid comebacks, and if the swashbuckler finds his rhythm, he can tear apart any bowling attack. He could come in handy with his spin bowling as well.
AUS vs BAN Conditions-based Predictions
- The pacers tend to get assistance from the pitch
- The pitch is likely to get slower as the game progresses
- Spinners might come handy in the second innings
AUS vs BAN Match Predictions
Bangladeshi openers failed to stitch a partnership in this edition of the World Cup and may sustain their first dismissal before 15.5 runs (1.85). Travis Head is currently in prime form and might score above 23.5 runs (1.85). With the pitch favoring the bowlers, the total wickets in this match might surpass 12.5 (1.96). The Odds
AUS vs BAN Winner Predictions
Australia are the favorites in this game, boasting a squad filled with skilled players. Bangladesh have performed well in the group stage fixtures but has yet to address many loopholes.
