Australia peaking at the right time in CWC 2023: What has worked for them

Australia peaking at the right time in CWC 2023: What has worked for them? Australia have won 7 consecutive games in league stage after losing first two games.

Australia have won 7 back-to-back games to make it to semis (Photo: ©X/Twitter)

Australia is showcasing their trademark never-say-die spirit in the CWC 2023, making an impressive comeback after a challenging start. Having lost their initial two matches to India and South Africa, the Australians rebounded with seven consecutive victories, securing a spot in the semi-finals. This resurgence has positioned them as potential contenders for the championship, with their peak performance arriving at the opportune moment.

In the early stages of the tournament, Australia faced setbacks, being dismissed for sub-200 scores in their first two games - 199 against India and 177 against South Africa. However, a swift turnaround followed, marked by four scores exceeding 300 in the subsequent seven matches. Notable among these victories was a remarkable defence of 389 against New Zealand, clinching a win by a slim margin of 5 runs. Additionally, Glenn Maxwell's extraordinary unbeaten double century, chasing 292 with three wickets to spare against Afghanistan, showcased Australia's ability to snatch triumph from precarious situations. Their dominance was further underlined by a colossal 309-run victory against the Netherlands.

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Australia’s batting prowess has been a major reason behind their turnaround

The pivotal factor behind this resurgence lies in Australia's batting prowess. After a tepid start, the top order, led by David Warner and Mitchell Marsh, each scoring two centuries, and Travis Head's debut ton, laid a solid foundation. Their aggressive approach set the tempo, aiming for rapid run accumulation to bolster the team's net run rate. The middle order, featuring Marnus Labuschagne and the explosive Glenn Maxwell, provided valuable finishing touches. Maxwell's heroics, especially his unbeaten 201 off 128 balls against Afghanistan and a blistering 44-ball 106 against the Netherlands earlier in the tournament, demonstrated his match-winning capabilities.

Batter	Matches	Runs	Average	SR	50s/100s
David Warner	9	499	55.44	105.49	2/2
Mitchell Marsh	8	426	60.85	109.51	1/2
Glenn Maxwell	7	397	79.40	152.69	0/2
Marnus Labuschange	9	286	35.75	77.98	2/0
Steven Smith	8	268	38.28	88.74	2/0

Complementing the formidable batting unit was an equally impressive bowling attack. Opting for a part-time off-spinner in Maxwell, who bowled the full quota of 10 overs, showcased Australia's strategic flexibility. The pace trio of Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, and Mitchell Starc excelled in the challenging Indian conditions, amassing a total of 32 wickets in 9 matches. However, it was Adam Zampa who emerged as the linchpin, finishing as the highest wicket-taker at the end of the league stage with 22 wickets in 9 games. Zampa's three fourth-wicket hauls further underscored his impact on Australia's success.

Read More: CWC 2023, AUS vs BAN: Marsh's 177* blows away Bangladesh; Australia win by 8 wickets

Warner has scored maximum runs for AUS in WC'23 (Photo: ©ICC/Twitter)

Can the Aussies make it 5 out of 7?

With seven consecutive victories under their belt, the Australians are riding a wave of momentum that appears challenging to disrupt. The team's remarkable improvement across all facets of the game after the initial setbacks highlights their resilience and refusal to concede defeat until the final ball is bowled. Notably, Maxwell's standout performance against Afghanistan exemplifies this unyielding spirit.

Moreover, Australia's familiarity with the pressures of knockout matches, coupled with their readiness to face such scenarios, positions them as formidable contenders for the World Cup title. Reflecting on their historical dominance in World Cups, starting with their triumph in 1999, the Australians have secured four titles out of six. The question looming now is whether they can extend this impressive record to five out of seven.

In conclusion, Australia's journey in the 2023 ODI World Cup has been marked by a resilient comeback, transforming initial setbacks into a seven-match winning streak. Their batting unit, led by the top-order brilliance and Maxwell's heroics, has been well-supported by a potent bowling attack. The team's ability to thrive under pressure and their historical success in World Cups positions them as strong contenders for the title. As they gear up for the semi-finals, Australia's unwavering spirit and improved performance make them a formidable force, potentially securing their fifth World Cup victory out of seven.

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