Afghanistan vs Australia Preview: Australia to launch World Cup defence against Afghanistan

Maxwell, Finch, Warner, Smith, Cummins, Starc were all part of the successful 2015 Australian World Cup Squad. Can they go back to back?

Steve Smith and David Warner will not only be looking to defend their World Cup Title from four years ago, but also be seeking redemption on the biggest stage as they finally relaunch their international careers on Saturday. Both, alongside Cameron Bancroft, were banned for their roles in the ball-tampering scandal but they have found form in recent months, first in the IPL where Warner was the leading run scorer and more recently in the warm up matches both home and in England, where Smith struck a century against the host nation. After a tumultuous start to the year, Finch's men are peaking at the right time to defend their title and are rightfully considered on of the favourites in the 50-over showpiece event. After edging out hosts India 3-2, and then Pakistan 5-0 in the U.A.E., Australia have welcomed back two of the worlds best batsman. Australia also boast the leading ODI run-scorer in 2019 in Usman Khawaja, the explosive Aaron Finch and the even more dangerous Glenn Maxwell. But, much like England, Australia are one of the few squads which also boast a potent bowling attack. Led by Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc - who was the 2015 ICC World Cup leading wicket taker - the Australian's boast both skilful spinners and potent pacemen. Nathan Coulter-Nile and Adam Zampa are expected to be included in the final XI, alongside all-rounders Marcus Stoinis and Glenn Maxwell. Despite being overwhelming favourites, Australia won't be afforded an easy ride against the emerging Afghanistan at Bristol County Ground. The Afghani's rise from associate-nation to the cricket's elite has been nothing short of a fairytale. The minnows witnessed a captaincy change two moths before the World Cup, with little known Gulbadin Naib named leader of the ODI side in place of Asghar Afghan, a move which polarised some senior members of the team. But the team has settled and are ready to focus on their World Cup campaign.

Star spinner Rashid Khan carries the team's hopes on his shoulders with his ability run through opposition batting, he tops the world Twenty20 rankings and lies third in the 50-over standings. Afghanistan are setting the sights high for their opener on the back of their impressive warm-up win against Pakistan believe they can knock off the Australians and push towards a semi-final spot according to chief selector Dawlat Ahmadzai. WATCH OUT FOR - David Warner

Warner will be looking to find his recent IPL form to restart his international career with a bang.

The much maligned David Warner was singled out for much of the vitriol surrounding the ball tampering scandal, which will only fuel his competitive spirit to drive towards redemption. There is no doubt he is in exquisite touch with nine scores over 50, including a century, from 12 innings in the IPL, however he missed out in the recent warm up matches. When these two nations met in the 2015 World Cup, Australia amassed 417 for 6 off their 50 overs, with Warner scoring 178, Smith 95 and Maxwell 88 off just 39. We expect to see Warner blast Afghanistan away and begin Australia's quest for a sixth World Cup on the front foot. PREDICTION Afghanistan will be far more competitive than their last showing, a 275 run loss in the last edition of the World Cup, but there is no surprise that Australia are expected to be too strong for the emerging nation. Rashid Khan will cause a few headaches for the Australian's but will lack the support to restrict Australia enough to win the match. Cummins, Starc, Smith and Warner will prove too strong alone for Afghanistan, who will get a perfect opportunity to hone their skills one last time before the remainder of the tournament. Australia to win by 100-120 runs or 6-7 wickets STATISTICS HEAD TO HEAD ODI HEAD TO HEAD IN WORLD CUPS Matches: 2 Matches: 1 Afghanistan: 0 Afghanistan:0

Australia: 2 Australia: 1

WORLD CUP RECORDS

Afghanistan

Matches: 6

Won: 1

Lost: 5

Best Result - Group Stage (2015)

Australia

Matches: 84

Won: 62

Lost: 20

Tie: 1

Best Result - Winners (1987, 1999, 2003, 2007, 2015)

ODI Record since World Cup 2015: Afghanistan

Matches: 63

Won: 34

Lost: 25

Australia

Matches: 76

Won: 37 Lost: 36