Cricket
ICC World Cup 2023: India Opt to Field First Against Arch-Rivals Pakistan
India won the toss and opted to send Pakistan in to bat first in a high-stakes ICC World Cup match on Saturday in Ahmedabad.
Shubman Gill returns for India, replacing Ishan Kishan.
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After the toss, Indian captain Rohit Sharma stated, "We'll bowl first in this charged atmosphere. The pitch is reliable; dew may play a role, so we opt to field. Our goal is excellence in every game."
Pakistan's captain, Babar Azam, mentioned they would have made the same decision if they had won the toss.
World Cup 2023: Bangladesh post below par 245 against New Zealand
The Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad boasts a capacity of 1.3 lakh spectators, and during the toss, the stadium was filled to the brim, underscoring the fervor among fans for this match.
In World Cup history, India has faced Pakistan on seven occasions and emerged victorious every time.
ICC World Cup 2023: Pakistan ODI Squad Analysis
India (Playing XI): Rohit Sharma(c), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul(w), Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Shardul Thakur, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj
Pakistan (Playing XI): Abdullah Shafique, Imam-ul-Haq, Babar Azam(c), Mohammad Rizwan(w), Saud Shakeel, Iftikhar Ahmed, Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Hasan Ali, Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf.
ICC World Cup 2023: Pakistan ODI Squad Analysis
Pakistan has entered the ICC World Cup 2023 as a strong contender. In 1992, they clinched their first World Cup title, and now they aim to secure the title on the home turf of their arch-rivals. Having secured two victories already, Pakistan started the tournament with a strong squad. Let’s analyze Pakistan's Men's ODI squad for the 2023 ICC World Cup and see where they have strength.
Pakistan Squad for ICC Men's ODI World Cup 2023
Babar Azam (c), Fakhar Zaman, Imam-Ul-Haq, Abdullah Shafique, Saul Shakeel, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Shadab Khan, Hasan Ali, Usama Mir, Mohammad Nawaz, Iftikhar Ahmed, Agha Salman, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Haris Rauf, Mohammad Wasim Jr, Mohammad Haris, Abrar Ahmed, Zaman Khan.
Read more: ICC World Cup 2023: Schedule, Fixtures, Venues, Team List
Analysis of Pakistan ODI Squad for ICC World Cup 2023
Upon reviewing the squad, it appears to be fairly decent, but not without its weaknesses. A notable concern, aside from Naseem's injury, revolves around the inclusion of Hasan Ali, who has been absent from Pakistan's white-ball setup for a considerable period. This decision, however, might be justified by the desire to incorporate experience into the team.
The injury of Naseem Shah has stirred considerable discussion, given his status as one of the top pacers in world cricket, not just within Pakistan. Despite this setback, Pakistan maintains a promising chance to secure victory in the World Cup. The team consists of a tough top three, and their pace bowling arsenal, featuring talents like Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf, remains robust. Additionally, the presence of a skilled spinner, Shadab, who can also be useful with the bat, adds further depth to their lineup.
Read more: ICC World Cup 2023: Preview of PAK vs IND ODI on Oct 14
A crucial aspect to consider is that none of the Pakistani cricketers in the current squad have experienced competitive cricket in India. This poses a significant challenge as the Indian pitch condition is different from Dubai or Sri Lanka.
However, Pakistan’s top order is the biggest strength of the team. The top order comprises three high-caliber ODI players Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, and Imam ul-Haq. Babar Azam, often greeted as the poster boy of Pakistan, stands out as the fastest to reach 5000 ODI runs and currently holds the prestigious title of the number 1 ranked ODI batter in the world. Renowned for his ability to accumulate runs, Babar Azam is a prolific run-scorer in this format. However, Babar could not help significantly in the first two matches. He has the capability to stand out in crucial matches.
Additionally, Fakhar Zaman, the opener, is a serial match-winner who played a key role in Pakistan's triumph in the ICC Champions Trophy 2017 with his memorable century against India. He holds the distinction of being the only Pakistani player to achieve three scores of 180 or more in ODIs. His remarkable innings of 194 in South Africa is regarded as one of the greatest ODI knocks of all time. Joining him as the opening partner is the consistently reliable Imam ul-Haq, who has demonstrated a keen ability to score runs in ODI cricket. With five half-centuries in his last ten innings and an ODI batting average around 50, Imam ul-Haq also secured a position in the top 10 ODI batting rankings.
Read more: ICC World Cup 2023: India ODI Squad Analysis
While Fakhar Zaman is Pakistan’s one of the top strengths, his form before the World Cup poses a significant concern for Pakistan, as the left-handed batsman has struggled to make an impact in the last 7-8 games before the tournament. His performance will be crucial for Pakistan's campaign in the upcoming matches.
Moving to the middle order, it features Mohammad Rizwan, Agha Salman, Iftikhar Ahmed, and Shadab Khan as the all-rounder. While Mohammad Rizwan's overall ODI record may not be stellar, he has demonstrated good form this year and aims to sustain this momentum. Agha Salman, however, faced a downturn in the Asia Cup, placing added pressure on him to deliver. Iftikhar Ahmed, possessing ample experience, is expected to play at no. 6 and 7 positions for Pakistan, but consistency will be key. Shadab Khan, the all-rounder, adds depth to the lineup and is set to play a crucial role in both batting and bowling capacities.
Further, fielding remains a significant concern for Pakistan, and their poor fielding has been a contributing factor to several defeats in the past. It is imperative for them to identify their second or third-best fielder after Shadab Khan and address this aspect to enhance their overall performance.
Read more: ICC World Cup 2023 Tickets: How to Buy Online, Booking, Prices, Starting Dates and Timings
Key Players to Watch in the Pakistan Men’s ODI Squad for ICC World Cup 2023
Babar Azam
The captain of Pakistan, who also stands out as their most prolific run-scorer in recent years, is a key player. Current number 1 player in ICC Men's ODI rankings. Babar has consistently secured a position among the top five batters in the format for the past six years. Despite a relatively modest performance in the recently-concluded Asia Cup by his own high standards, scoring 207 runs in four innings and falling short of leading his team into the final, Pakistan's prospects of qualifying for the World Cup semifinals will be tied to Babar's batting form and on-field decision-making.
Shaheen Afridi
Similar to Babar Azam’s performance in batting, Shaheen Afridi's spells with the ball will play a pivotal role in their ability to dismiss batters on the high-scoring pitches in India. Having debuted internationally at the age of 18 in 2018, Afridi has quickly emerged as Pakistan's main bowling spearhead, frequently securing a position in the top 10 ICC bowlers' rankings.
Mohammad Rizwan
A true fighter in every sense, Mohammad Rizwan has seized every opportunity that has crossed his path as a batter and wicketkeeper. Starting as an opener in T20Is, he has transitioned seamlessly into the number four position in ODIs. With fifty and a hundred in the two recent matches in World Cup 2023, he stands as the most in-form batter for Pakistan at the moment. His brilliance was evident in the 131 runs against Sri Lanka, where he not only reached the milestone but also stayed through to the end of the game.
Read more: Analysis of Bangladesh Squad for ICC World Cup 2023
Haris Rauf
In the absence of Naseem, he will need to pose an even more significant role than he already does for Pakistan, particularly in the middle and death overs. And he has been doing his role well, as he grabbed 5 wickets in the first two matches of the World Cup 2023.
Final Words
Pakistan aims to grab the 2023 ICC Men's ODI World Cup. Despite recent challenges, including Naseem Shah's injury and potential hindrance of inconsistency, the team remains steadfast with a stable and experienced lineup. The bowling attack demonstrates competitiveness, and the batting lineup possesses depth in spin. Identifying the right formula for success becomes crucial at this stage. If they can effectively implement a strategic game plan, Pakistan men's ODI squad has the potential to clinch the trophy, marking their victory after 31 years since their last victory in 1992.
Read more: ICC World Cup 2023 Live Streaming: How and Where to Watch all matches Online
ICC World Cup 2023: Preview of PAK vs IND ODI on Oct 14
India is set to host Pakistan in a much-anticipated group-stage match of the 2023 Men's Cricket World Cup on Saturday, October 14. The game kicks off at 3 pm Bangladesh time and will take place at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, a massive venue with a seating capacity of 132,000.
Pakistan recently made headlines by achieving the highest run-chase in World Cup history in their victory over Sri Lanka on Tuesday. Meanwhile, India got a smooth win in their first two matches.
Preview of PAK vs IND ODI On Oct 14 in ICC World Cup 2023
This intense World Cup showdown follows Pakistan's loss against India in the Asia Cup 2023, and India pushed them down from the top spot in the world's ODI rankings. In the World Cup warm up matches, the Pakistan team didn't perform very well. However, on October 10, Pakistan achieved the highest run-chase in World Cup history by defeating Sri Lanka by 6 wickets.
Meanwhile, India played Afghanistan in the second match on October 11. India dominated Afghanistan, securing their second consecutive victory in the World Cup. Rohit Sharma played an outstanding innings, scoring 131 runs off 84 balls setting new records along the way. With this win, the hosts climbed to the second position in the points table, comfortably reaching the target of 273 with 15 overs to spare. Previously, on October 9, India triumphed over Australia by six wickets with 52 balls remaining.
Read more: ICC World Cup 2023 Venues: Cities and Stadiums in India
There is no injury report so far. So, both teams will start the match with full force. It is time to see if Pakistan can get their desired victory against India in the World Cup event. India and Pakistan have competed in seven matches in ICC ODI World Cup tournaments. In these encounters, India emerged victorious in all seven instances, while Pakistan did not secure a win. The highest run total achieved by India in these clashes is 336 runs, whereas Pakistan's highest score is 273. The lowest total posted by Pakistan is 173, and India's lowest total is 216.
In recent clashes, the two teams faced each other twice in the recently concluded Asia Cup. During the Group A fixture in Pallekele, the Pakistani bowlers exerted control, limiting India to a score of 266 before rain intervened, preventing any additional play. However, India won the Super Four match in the Asia Cup 2023 against Pakistan.
With both teams having good form, the rivalry clash will surely be entertaining.
Read more: ICC World Cup 2023 Tickets: How to Buy Online, Booking, Prices, Starting Dates and Timings
PAK vs IND Head to Head in ODI
India and Pakistan have competed in 134 ODIs. In these encounters, India won in 56 matches, while Pakistan secured victory in 73 instances. Additionally, five matches concluded without a result.
Table: Pakistan vs India Head-to-Head ODI Matches So Far
Matches
Pakistan Won
India Won
No Result
134
73
56
5
Predicted Playing XI for Pakistan
Fakhar Zaman, Imam-ul-Haq, Babar Azam (c), Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Saud Shakeel, Iftikhar Ahmed, Mohammad Nawaz, Shadab Khan, Hasan Ali, Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf.
Predicted Playing XI for India
Rohit Sharma (C), Ishan Kishan, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (wk), Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Ravichandran Ashwin, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj.
Read more: ICC World Cup 2023: Schedule, Fixtures, Venues, Team List
Key Pakistani Players to Watch
Mohammad Rizwan
Pakistan achieved a successful run chase, reaching a target of 345 runs against Sri Lanka in their second match in World Cup 2023. Mohammad Rizwan is one of the key contributors to this victory. Rizwan played a stellar innings, scoring 131 runs off 121 deliveries. Previously, he also scored 68 runs from 75 balls. And he will play a key role against the rivals in the next match.
Haris Rauf
Haris has taken 5 wickets so far in this World Cup. In the absence of Naseem Shah, he has been playing an even more crucial role for Pakistan, particularly in the middle and death overs. In the first match, he showcased his form by taking 3 wickets for 43 runs against the Netherlands. He also grabbed two wickets against Sri Lanka.
Babar Azam
Babar is yet to play his regular game and give his best. In the last two matches, he scored only 15 runs. It seems he is not in good form, but he can spark at any time. So, we can assume that he will try his best against arch-rival India. However, he has been doing well in his captaincy role.
Read more: ICC World Cup 2023: Pakistan ODI Squad Analysis
Key Indian Players to Watch
Rohit Sharma
While Rohit may not be an unstoppable force as he was four years ago, when he recorded a record-breaking five centuries at the 2019 World Cup, he continues to display mastery in the 2023 World Cup. Sharma achieved a historic seventh World Cup century in India's victory over Afghanistan. Rohit Sharma's outstanding performance led India to a commanding eight-wicket win in Wednesday's group match in Delhi.
Virat Kohli
After scoring 85 runs in the first match and 55 in the second match, we must say Kohli is in consistent form. Also, his 122 runs against Pakistan in the Asia Cup 2023 surely make Pakistan conscious for the next match. Further, Kohli boasts an impressive record against Pakistan, accumulating a total of 626 runs in 15 innings, including 3 centuries and 2 half-centuries.
Jasprit Bumrah
Jasprit Bumrah delivered his best bowling spell (4/39) in a 50-over World Cup during India's clash with Afghanistan in Match 9 of the ICC World Cup 2023 at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on Wednesday. With that, he grabbed a total of 6 wickets, making him the second-highest wicket-taker so far in World Cup 2023.
Read more: ICC World Cup 2023: India ODI Squad Analysis
Surprise Ahead of the PAK vs. IND Clash
With only two days remaining for the highly anticipated India vs. Pakistan clash at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, reports indicate that Indian cinema superstars Amitabh Bachchan and Rajinikanth, along with cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar, are all set to attend and witness the match. Additionally, there are rumors that Arijit Singh may perform live during the event. Some media reports suggest there will be a light show and dance performances as well. The Bollywood stars' event is scheduled to commence at 12:40 pm on the day and conclude by 1:10 pm.
In addition to that, the BCCI will release 14,000 tickets for the India vs. Pakistan match on October 14, 2023. The Indian Cricket Board conveyed this information to fans via the social media platform X (formerly known as Twitter).
Final Words
The highly anticipated PAK vs. IND clash in the 2023 Men's Cricket World Cup promises an intense battle. With India having a strong start and Pakistan achieving a historic run-chase, both teams are in good form. Players like Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Mohammad Rizwan, and Jasprit Bumrah are key to watch. With more tickets released in phases and both teams at full strength, the rivalry will undoubtedly be entertaining.
Read more: ICC World Cup 2023 Live Streaming: How and Where to Watch all matches Online
ICC World Cup 2023: Preview of AUS vs. SA ODI
Australia and South Africa will meet for the 10th match of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 on October 12, 2023. The match will take place at BRSABVE Cricket Stadium in Lucknow at 2:30 PM Bangladesh time. Let’s see which team has a better chance to win the AUS vs. SA ODI match.
Preview of AUS vs. SA ODI in ICC World Cup 2023
In their inaugural match of the tournament against India, the Australian team delivered a dull performance and faced a six-wicket defeat. The batting display failed to gain momentum, overwhelmed by a persistent struggle to find the right track. Wickets fell at regular intervals as the Aussies tried to boost the run rate, but their vulnerability against the Indian spinners became apparent. Despite a promising early start with the ball, having India at 3-2, gaps in fielding, and a modest target allowed India to comfortably secure victory.
Significant worries have been raised regarding the composition of the Australian side, particularly concerning their challenges in setting a competitive pace while batting. Additionally, concerns appear over the adequacy of spin-bowling options, especially with favorable playing conditions expected throughout the tournament and Adam Zampa facing difficulties. The Australian team finds itself grappling with strategic and performance issues, prompting a closer examination of their approach as they navigate the challenges ahead.
On the other hand, South Africa had an awesome start to the ICC World Cup 2023. They played against Sri Lanka and won by a huge 102-run margin, breaking some records along the way. They were really tough on the Sri Lankan bowlers. Three South African players, including Aiden Markram, scored 100 runs each. Markram even set a new record for the fastest hundred in World Cup history. The team made the highest score ever in World Cup history, reaching 428. Even though Sri Lanka bowled well, South Africa did a great job and comfortably won the match.
But, even with this big win, people are still wondering about South Africa's bowling team. Some worry that other teams might figure out how to play against specific bowlers who have to bowl all their turns.
Marcus Stoinis, who couldn't play in the first game because of an injury, might come back for this match, possibly replacing Cameron Green, who hasn't been in the best form. South Africa is likely to stick with the same team that played in the last match. Let's see how they do in the upcoming game.
However, before the World Cup, both teams were in an ODI series from September 7 to September 17, 2023. The Proteas had a great comeback and secured a win in that series by 3-2. So, Australia might have to change their approach against South Africa.
Read more: ICC World Cup 2023 Tickets: How to Buy Online, Booking, Prices, Starting Dates and Timings
Australia vs South Africa Head to Head in ODI
Australia and South Africa have competed in 108 ODI matches. Out of these, Australia won 50 matches, while South Africa claimed victory 54 times. One match concluded without a result, and three matches ended in a tie.
Table: AUS vs. SA Head-to-Head ODI Matches So Far
Matches
Australia Won
South Africa Won
No Result
Tie
108
50
54
1
3
Predicted Playing XI for Australia
David Warner, Mitchell Marsh, Steve Smith, Marnus Labuschagne, Alex Carey (wk), Glenn Maxwell, Cameron Green, Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins (c), Adam Zampa, Josh Hazlewood.
Predicted Playing XI for South Africa
Quinton de Kock (wk), Temba Bavuma (c), Rassie van der Dussen, Aiden Markram, Heinrich Klaasen, David Miller, Marco Jansen, Gerald Coetzee, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Tabraiz Shamsi.
Read more: ICC World Cup 2023: Schedule, Fixtures, Venues, Team List
Australian Players to Watch in AUS vs SA Match
David Warner
Warner was the second-highest scorer in the last match against India. He scored 41 runs from 52 balls. However, he went into the first match of the tournament with both recent good form and a track record that indicates he was well-prepared to excel in the demanding conditions. So, he might spark in the next match.
Marnus Labuschagne
The Australian batsman entered the World Cup squad through a replacement, taking the place of the injured spinner Ashton Agar. In 2023, he showcased impressive form, scoring 491 runs in 11 innings, featuring a century and two half-centuries. He scored 27 runs from 41 balls in the last match. So, will surely do better in the next match.
Glenn Maxwell
Famously known as the "Big Show," the white-ball sensation in Australian cricket is an integral member of Australia's World Cup squad. Maxwell, who plays in the middle order as a batsman and contributes as an off-spinner, recently achieved his best ODI bowling figures of 4-40 in the third ODI against India on September 27, 2023. In the last match, he scored 15 runs from 25 balls. However, he could help well with the ball.
Read more: ICC World Cup 2023 Venues: Cities and Stadiums in India
South African Players to Watch in AUS vs SA Match
Temba Bavuma
Consistently undervalued despite impressive performances in his 31 ODIs so far, Bavuma Bavuma finds himself nestled between Virat Kohli and Michael Bevan in the all-time ODI averages. He has been unstoppable, achieving centuries against England, West Indies, and Australia. However, scored only 8 runs in the last match. He has the potential to do his best in the next match.
Quinton de Kock
Quinton de Kock has been outstanding in the last match as he scored a century from 84 balls. Further, de Cock has a great strike rate in 2023. Having scored 443 from 11 matches at a 96.30 strike rate makes him one of the payers to watch in the upcoming match.
Heinrich Klaasen
In a team filled with strong hitters, Klaasen stands out for his knack to step onto the pitch later in the game and start hitting boundaries right away. He has one of the highest strike rates with 112.44 among current batters, often scoring the majority of his runs through fours and sixes. So, he has great potential to smash any team.
Final Words
After winning the five-match ODI series 3-2 against Australia in September 2023 and a big win against Sri Lanka, South Africa enters Thursday's match with confidence, believing they can defeat Australia once more. On the other hand, Australia needs to make a comeback to stay in the competition and keep their chances of reaching the semi-finals alive. According to the most recent performance, South Africa has a great chance to win the AUS vs SA ODI match in the 2023 ICC Men's World Cup.
Read more: ICC World Cup 2023 Live Streaming: How and Where to Watch all matches Online
World Cup 2023: India secure convincing victory against Australia
India clinched a six-wicket victory over Australia in their inaugural match of the ICC World Cup 2023 held on Sunday in Chennai.
Despite batting first, Australia failed to set a challenging total on the board. Even though they swiftly claimed three early wickets as India chased, all three went down without contributing a single run.
However, this did little to alter the course of the match in favor of Australia.
Read: World Cup: Kohli, Rahul half-centuries put India back in control
Virat Kohli and Lokesh Rahul orchestrated a formidable 165-run partnership in the fourth wicket, expertly guiding India to a comfortable victory in pursuit of 200 runs.
Kohli was handed a reprieve when he was at 12, as Shaun Marsh fumbled a catch after Kohli skied the ball. Marsh missed a crucial opportunity.
Rahul stood unbeaten at 97.
Josh Hazlewood of Australia scalped three wickets, but his efforts proved futile as Australia fell short of clinching the match.
Australia, having won the toss, posted a total of 199. Despite an early setback, David Warner and Steven Smith established a robust 69-run partnership for the second wicket, providing a sturdy foundation for the Australian side.
Read: ICC World Cup 2023: Australia Opts to Bat First Against India
Nevertheless, they were unable to achieve a commanding total. Ravindra Jadeja showcased exceptional skill with the ball, securing three pivotal wickets from Australia's middle-order while conceding a mere 28 runs in his 10-over spell.
For Australia, Smith emerged as the top scorer with 46 runs, closely followed by Warner with 41. Marnus Labuschagne and Mitchell Starc were the other two batters to breach the 20-run mark.
ICC World Cup 2023: Preview of IND vs. AUS ODI
India and Australia will kick off their ODI World Cup 2023 campaign on October 8, 2023. This highly anticipated encounter marks the fifth match of the tournament and is scheduled to take place at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on Sunday at 2:30 PM Bangladesh time.
Preview of IND vs. AUS ODI in ICC World Cup 2023
India enters the match with a boost in confidence, having recently secured a 2-1 victory over Australia in a three-match ODI series that took place from 22-27 September 2023. However, their journey in the World Cup opener might face challenges, particularly with the absence of Shubman Gill, who is sidelined due to dengue fever. The opening slot may see Ishan Kishan stepping in as a replacement. The spin-friendly conditions are expected to play a crucial role, with the inclusion of spinners like Kuldeep Yadav, Ravi Ashwin, and Ravindra Jadeja showcasing India's formidable strength in that department.
The Indian cricket team has been in outstanding form recently, holding the top-ranking position in all three formats as per the latest ICC rankings. Throughout this year, they have demonstrated their prowess by losing only 5 out of the 21 completed matches and one match outcome with no result. Victories against New Zealand, West Indies, and Australia, along with a triumphant Asia Cup campaign, emphasize their dominance.
Read more: ICC World Cup 2023: India ODI Squad Analysis
Table: India's performance in ODI matches in 2023 So far
Matches
Win
Loss
No Result
21
15
5
1
Although both of India's warm-up matches were affected by rain, it doesn't pose a significant concern for the team. The silver lining is that the players benefited from a well-deserved break, ensuring they will be rejuvenated when facing one of the tough opponents of this World Cup, Australia. A notable aspect of India's recent success is the balanced contributions from nearly all players, reflecting the team's collective strength.
On the other hand, Australia aims to put their past struggles with spin behind them, backing on their tough top-order batting. Players such as Mitchell Marsh, David Warner, and Steve Smith, who have shown proficiency against spin recently, are expected to adopt an aggressive approach at the start. Despite facing challenges in the series against India and South Africa, Australia remains fearless. The inclusion of Adam Zampa adds a strategic advantage, as he has consistently delivered strong performances for the Aussies in spin-friendly conditions, making him a key asset for the team in the upcoming match.
Australia's abundance of all-round talent adds a significant element of danger to their lineup. Players like Glenn Maxwell, Steve Smith, or Marnus Labuschagne possess the capability to offer substantial support to Adam Zampa, particularly in the conditions at Chennai. The team's batting depth is equally impressive, extending down to the lower order, with genuine batting talent continuing even beyond the eighth or ninth position.
However, Australia has faced a challenging period recently, having a 5-match losing streak—one of the team's lengthiest in recent history. However, a glimmer of optimism emerged as they secured a victory in their last international fixture against India and triumphed over Pakistan in a warm-up match. These wins are likely to inject a sense of regained confidence into the team. Nevertheless, this year, Australia played 11 ODI matches and won five of them and lost 6 games.
Table: Australia’s performance in ODI matches in 2023 So far
Matches
Win
Loss
No Result
11
5
6
0
Read more: ICC World Cup 2023 Venues: Cities and Stadiums in India
India and Australia Stats in ICC ODI World Cups So far
India has participated in a total of 13 ICC World Cups, including the ongoing 2023 tournament. Their performances were particularly noteworthy in 1983 and 2011 as they won the World Cup. In 1987, 1996, 2015, and 2019, India progressed to the semi-finals, while in 2003, they became the runner-up. However, their journey ended in the group stage in 1975, 1979 and 2007.
Australia also appeared in 13 World Cups and is the most successful team in the World. They won the World Cup five times and became runner-up twice.
Table: India and Australia Stats in ICC ODI World Cups
Team
Appearances in ICC ODI World Cup Tournaments
Total Matches Played in ICC ODI World Cup Tournaments
Total Wins in ICC ODI World Cup Tournaments
Total Lossesin ICC ODI World Cup Tournaments
Tie
No Result
India Team
13 times
84
53
29
1
1
Australia Team
13 times
96
70
24
0
2
Read more: ICC World Cup 2023: Schedule, Fixtures, Venues, Team List
India vs Australia Head-to-Head ODI Matches So Far
In the ODI format, India and Australia have contested each other in a total of 149 matches. Out of these, India secured victory in 56 games, while Australia emerged triumphant in 83 encounters. Additionally, 10 matches concluded without a no result.
Table: IND vs Australia Head-to-Head ODI Matches So Far
Matches
India Won
Australia Won
No Result
149
56
83
10
Probable India XI
Rohit Sharma (C), Ishan Kishan, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (wk), Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Ravichandran Ashwin, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj.
Probable Australia XI
David Warner, Mitchell Marsh, Steve Smith, Marnus Labuschagne, Glenn Maxwell, Alex Carey (wk), Marcus Stoinis, Pat Cummins (C), Mitchell Starc, Adam Zampa, Josh Hazelwood.
Read more: ICC World Cup 2023: India ODI Squad Analysis
Indian Players to Watch
Virat Kohli
The former Indian captain, Virat Kohli, is gearing up to participate in his fourth ICC 50-over World Cup for India. Kohli has an impressive record against Australia, amassing a total of 2228 runs in 45 innings, featuring 8 centuries and 12 scores of fifty or more.
Rohit Sharma
While Rohit may not wield the bat as an unstoppable force as he did four years ago, when he notched a record-breaking five centuries at the 2019 World Cup, Rohit Sharma continues to exhibit mastery in the 50-over format. His unrivaled record for India, having an average of 48.85 with a strike rate of 90.52, shows his aggressiveness and importance to the team.
Hardik Pandya
He is one of the most dynamic all-rounder whose prowess cannot be ignored, making significant contributions with both the bat and ball during crucial moments. So far, Pandya played 82 matches for India, scored 1758 runs, and grabbed 79 wickets.
Read more: ICC World Cup 2023 Tickets: How to Buy Online, Booking, Prices, Starting Dates and Timings
Australian Players to Watch
Adam Zampa
The Chepauk pitch traditionally tends to heavily favor spinners, and Indian batsmen have often faced challenges against high-quality spin bowling on this ground. In 2023, Adam Zampa, a right-arm leg-spinner, showcased an impressive bowling display by claiming 15 wickets in 9 matches. This performance made him the leading wicket-taker among Australian bowlers in the calendar year.
David Warner
David Warner is in the twilight of his international career, concluding an illustrious tenure that, despite moments of controversy, undeniably boasts an outstanding record. Having played 25 ODIs against India, David Warner holds an impressive average of 51.04, marked by two centuries and four half-centuries. The 36-year-old cricketer enters the opening match of the tournament with both the form and a track record that suggest he is well-equipped to thrive in the challenging conditions.
Mitchell Starc
The tall left-arm paceman's role in the white-ball formats revolves around delivering full-length deliveries, targeting the stumps, and generating late swings, particularly during the powerplays. One of his crucial early breakthroughs for Australia was the crucial wicket of Brendon McCullum, secured with the third ball of the 2015 World Cup final. His impactful performance continued throughout the tournament, culminating in him being named the player of the tournament with 22 wickets when Australia claimed the title on home soil eight years ago. So, he might show his tremendous performance one more time.
Final Words
Assessing the present form, India holds an advantage over Australia and could initiate their World Cup journey with a victory. The performance of India's top order is crucial, especially considering the threat posed by Starc, who recently achieved a hat trick in a warm-up match.
The challenging conditions of spin and humidity at Chepauk may pose difficulties for Australian batters. Hence, India has a competitive edge in the IND vs AUS World Cup 2023 match.
Read more: ICC World Cup 2023 Live Streaming: How and Where to Watch all matches Online
Bangladesh vs Afghanistan ICC World Cup 2023 Live Streaming: How to Watch Online, Predicted XI
Bangladesh and Afghanistan are set to commence the ICC World Cup 2023 campaign on Saturday (Oct 7). The Asian teams lock horns in the first of the two matches. The match will be played at the HPCA Stadium in Dharamsala, India.
While tickets for most of the matches have been sold out, fans can watch the tournament of the year from anywhere in the world on TV as well as online. Here are the live streaming and telecast details of the upcoming ODI World Cup 2023.
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BAN vs AFG live streaming 2023: How to watch World Cup 2023 Bangladesh vs Afghanistan live
ICC ODI World Cup 2023 Live Streaming In India
Star Sports Network in India will telecast the ODI World Cup 2023 matches live. Cricket fans can tune into the following channels:
Star Sports 1, Star Sports 1 HD , Star Sports 1 HINDI , Star Sports 1 HINDI HD , Star Sports 1 TELUGU , Star Sports 1 TELUGU HD , Star Sports 1 TAMIL , Star Sports 1 TAMIL HD , Star Sports 1, KANNADA
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BAN vs AFG live streaming 2023 in Bangladesh:
ICC ODI World Cup 2023 Live Streaming In Bangladesh: Gazi TV, rabbitholebd.com
BAN vs AFG live streaming 2023: How to watch live from different countries
ICC ODI World Cup 2023 Live Streaming In Afghanistan: Ariana TV ICC ODI World Cup 2023 Live Streaming In Sri Lanka: Maharaja TVICC ODI World Cup 2023 Live Streaming In Bangladesh: Gazi TV ICC ODI World Cup 2023 Live Streaming In Australia: Fox SportsICC ODI World Cup 2023 Live Streaming In South Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa: SuperSportICC World cup Live Streaming in New Zealand: Sky Sport NZICC World cup Live Streaming in Pakistan: PTV, ARYICC World cup Live Streaming in Singapore: StarHub
Stokes to miss defending champion England's Cricket World Cup opener against New Zealand
UK ICC World Cup Live Streaming on Sky SportsICC World Cup Live Streaming in USA: ESPN+ Willow
ICC World Cup Live Streaming in Canada: Willow TVCaribbean Islands: ESPN CaribbeanCentral & South America and Mexico: ESPN
Hong Kong: PCCWMaldives, Nepal, Bhutan: Star SportsICC World cup Live Streaming in Malaysia: MEASATICC World cup Live Streaming in Middle East and North Africa: Etisalat
BAN vs AFG PREDICTED XI in ICC World Cup 2023
BANGLADESH PREDICTED XI
Shakib al Hasan (c), Litton Das, Tanzid Hasan Tamim, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Mushfiqur Rahim (wk), Tawhid Hridoy, Mahmudullah Riyad, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Nasum Ahmed, Shak Mahedi Hasan, Taskin Ahmed.
AFGHANISTAN PREDICTED XI
Hashmatullah Shahidi (c), Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Ibrahim Zadran, Riaz Hassan, Rahmat Shah, Najibullah Zadran, Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan, Ikram Alikhil, Noor Ahmad, Azmatullah Omarzai.
BAN vs AFG HEAD-TO-HEAD RECORD IN ODIS
Matches played: 15Bangladesh won: 9Afghanistan won: 6Last result: Bangladesh won by 89 runs (Lahore; Sep. 2023)Last five results: BAN won -2; AFG won - 3
Read more: ICC World Cup 2023: Preview of BAN vs. AFG ODI
ICC World Cup 2023: Preview of BAN vs. AFG ODI
Bangladesh is set to begin their ICC World Cup 2023 journey by facing off against South Asian rival Afghanistan today (October 7). The clash between these two teams, both representing Asia, is scheduled to take place at the HPCA Stadium in Dharamshala at 11 am Bangladesh time. Let’s see what to expect from this Bangladesh vs Afghanistan World Cup match.
Preview of BAN vs. AFG ODI in ICC World Cup 2023
In recent years, Bangladesh has emerged as a powerful contender in white-ball cricket, boasting an impressive 47% win rate in 2023 (matches with no result were not counted). Nevertheless, their performance has experienced a slight decline in the past few months.
Table: Bangladesh's performance in ODI matches in 2023 So far
Matches
Win
Loss
No Result
20
8
9
3
This year, Bangladesh played 20 matches in total and won 8 of them while losing 9 matches. However, three matches came out with no result.
Read more: Tamim opted to stay out of Bangladesh's World Cup squad: Mashrafe
Further, Bangladesh faced elimination in the Super Four stage of the recent Asia Cup and encountered a setback with a 2-0 loss against New Zealand in the lead-up to the current event. Despite these challenges, their victory against India in the Asia Cup highlights that the Tigers should not be underestimated at any point.
Heading to the World Cup 2023, Bangladesh has a tough batting lineup, relying on it to counter the spin-heavy Afghan bowling attack. Key batsmen include Najmul Hossain Shanto, who showcased brilliant form in the Asia Cup 2023, partnering with Litton Das as the opening duo.
Read more: Bangladesh vs Afghanistan ICC World Cup 2023 Live Streaming: How to Watch Online, Predicted XI
Towhid Hridoy has solidified his position as a dependable middle-order batsman, complemented by the experienced Mushfiqur Rahim in the lower order. The team features two outstanding all-rounders, Shakib Al-Hasan and Mehidy Hasan Miraz, known for their impactful contributions across all facets of the game.
In the spin department, Mahmudullah is likely to join the ranks. Shoriful Islam and Taskin Ahmed, both in good bowling form, will support Mustafizur Rahman in the bowling department, while Hasan Mahmud might secure a spot as the fourth bowler. The collective strength of this well-rounded squad positions Bangladesh as a challenging force in the upcoming matches.
Read more: ICC World Cup 2023: Schedule, Fixtures, Venues, Team List
On the other hand, Afghanistan's track record in the World Cup has been less than satisfactory, securing victory in only one out of the 15 matches played across their two appearances. In the last edition, they came remarkably close to defeating teams such as India and Pakistan. However, their relative lack of experience on the grand stage led them to surrender to pressure in critical moments.
Nevertheless, the Afghan players bring valuable experience from their participation in T20 leagues worldwide, providing them with a notable advantage. Afghanistan is particularly renowned for its spin-bowling options.
The crucial figure in the team's bowling lineup is Rashid Khan. With an impressive track record in the IPL and a deep understanding of Indian conditions, Khan is sure to play a crucial role in this match. Supporting him in the spin department are Mohammad Nabi and Mujeeb Ur Rahman.
While batting has historically been a vulnerable aspect for Afghanistan, the opening pair of Ibrahim Zadran and Rahmanullah Gurbaz has displayed excellent form in recent months, aiming to provide the team with a robust start. The middle order comprises Rahmat Shah, Hashmatullah Shahidi, and Najibullah Zadran, whose consistency in scoring runs will be essential in this BAN vs AFG World Cup match.
Read more: ICC World Cup 2023 Venues: Cities and Stadiums in India
This year, Afghanistan played 11 ODI matches so far and won three of them. Two of the wins came against Bangladesh and one against Sri Lanka.
Table: Afghanistan's performance in ODI matches in 2023 So far
Matches
Win
Loss
No Result
11
3
8
0
So, regarding experience and performance, the Tigers are ahead of the Afghans.
Bangladesh and Afghanistan stats in ICC ODI World Cups So farSo far, Bangladesh appeared in 7 ICC World Cups, including the 2023 tournament. Among these, the 2007 and 2015 World Cups were quite successful for them. Bangladesh reached Super Eights in 2007 and reached the quarter-finals in 2015. And they were eliminated in the group stage in 1999, 2003, 2011, and 2019.
Read more: Bangladesh's Fixtures for ICC World Cup 2023
On the other hand, the Afghans began their World Cup appearance in 2015 and appeared in another one in 2019. In these two World Cups, Afghanistan played 15 matches and won only one game against Scotland in the 2015 World Cup.
Table: Bangladesh and Afghanistan stats in ICC ODI World Cups
Team
Appearances
Total Matches Played
Wins
Losses
No Result
Bangladesh
1999, 2003, 2007, 2011, 2015, 2019, 2023
42
14
25
3
Afghanistan
2015, 2019, 2023
15
1
14
0
Bangladesh vs. Afghanistan Head-to-Head ODI Matches So Far
Bangladesh and Afghanistan met in 15 ODI matches, and Bangladesh won 9 matches, while Afghans emerged victorious in 6 matches. However, in the World Cup, Bangladesh faced the Afghans two times and won both of the matches.
Read more: ICC World Cup 2023 Tickets: How to Buy Online, Booking, Prices, Starting Dates and Timings
Table: BAN vs. AFG Head-to-Head ODI Matches So Far
Matches
Bangladesh Won
Afghanistan Won
No Result
15
9
6
0
Probable Bangladesh XI
Litton Das, Tanzid Hasan Tamim, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Mushfiqur Rahim (wk), Shakib Al Hasan (C), Mahmudullah, Mahedi Hasan, Taskin Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman, Tanzim Hasan Sakib.
Probable Afghanistan XI
Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Ibrahim Zadran, Rahmat Shah, Najibullah Zadran, Mohammad Nabi, Hashmatullah Shahidi (C), Rashid Khan, Mujeeb ur Rahman, Noor Ahmad, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Naveen ul Haq.
Read more: Rabbithole's World Cup package just Tk60 for Nagad customers
Bangladeshi Players to Watch
Najmul Hossain Shanto
The Bangladeshi top-order batsman has had an outstanding year, beginning with a memorable Bangladesh Premier League. This year, in 2023, Shanto played 15 matches and scored 698 runs, which could have been increased if he was not injured in the Asia Cup 2023.
Shakib Al Hasan
Appearing in the 2007 World Cup first, Shakib Al Hasan’s World Cup record filled with 1146 runs and 34 wickets from 29 matches. And in 2023, Shakib maintained his impressive performance. In the 16 ODI matches he played this year, he accumulated 549 runs, achieving the highest score of 93 runs and securing five half-centuries. Additionally, he showcased his bowling skill by taking 14 wickets across these 16 matches, with his best bowling figures being 4/35.
Towhid Hridoy
Towhid Hridoy has displayed admirable form in recent matches. In the current year, he participated in 17 matches, scoring a total of 518 runs with an impressive strike rate of 86.33. Hridoy first garnered attention with notable performances, scoring 82 and 54 runs in the 2023 Asia Cup. So, he will surely have some impact on the Afghans.
Read more: Banglalink to Livestream ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 with Unbeatable Internet Offers and World-Class Streaming Experiences
Afghan Players to Watch
Ibrahim Zadran
The Afghan opener has been the standout batsman for his team in the current year, accumulating 478 runs from 11 innings at an impressive average of 47.8. Teaming up with Rahmanullah Gurbaz, he has established a formidable opening partnership for the Afghan team. So, we might see Zadran’s tremendous performance in the next match.
Rahmanullah Gurbaz
He is among the more aggressive batsmen in the Afghan lineup and complements his partner Zadran effectively. His notable strength lies in his attacking approach, showcasing the ability to unleash shots right from the outset, thereby putting opposing bowlers under pressure. This year, he scored 376 runs from 11 matches.
Fazalhaq Farooqi
Farooqi is anticipated to be Afghanistan's key bowler in the ICC Men's ODI World Cup 2023. He has stood out as their leading wicket-taker over the last two years, securing 32 wickets from 14 innings while maintaining a bowling average of 27.5.
Read more: ICC World Cup 2023 Live Streaming: How and Where to Watch all matches Online
Final Words
Statistically, Bangladesh has a competitive edge over Afghanistan. However, in recent times, Afghans have been fighting back and getting positive results. Considering the recent and historical performance, Bangladesh has a great chance to win the BAN vs. AFG ICC World Cup 2023 match.
Read more: Analysis of Bangladesh Squad for ICC World Cup 2023
Analysis of Bangladesh Squad for ICC World Cup 2023
ICC World Cup starts today (October 5, 2023), and Bangladesh announced the squad on September 26. While other nations revealed their squads early, Bangladesh was the final team to make the announcement.
The day before the announcement of the World Cup team, a midnight meeting took place at the residence of the BCB president. Speculations regarding Tamim Iqbal's fitness in the media, and decisions involving Hathurusingha and Shakib Al Hasan all unfolded in a dramatic manner. In this intense situation, the Bangladesh Cricket Board revealed the final Cricket World Cup team, notably without the experienced batsman Tamim.
Bangladesh Squad for ICC World Cup 2023
Shakib Al Hasan (c), Litton Das, Tanzid Hasan Tamim, Najmul Hossain Shanto (vc), Tawhid Hridoy, Mushfiqur Rahim, Mahmudullah Riyad, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Nasum Ahmed, Mahedi Hasan, Taskin Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman, Hasan Mahmud, Shoriful Islam, Tanzim Hasan Sakib.
Read more: ICC World Cup 2023 Tickets: How to Buy Online, Booking, Prices, Starting Dates and Timings
Analysis of Bangladesh ODI Squad
Heading into the 2023 World Cup, Bangladesh is positioned as the underdog; however, they possess the capability to challenge the tournament favourites. Throughout this year, their performance in ODIs has been respectable, securing eight victories out of 20 matches, and one didn’t have a winner. Before the Asia Cup 2023, the captaincy responsibilities were handed over to Shakib Al Hasan, a decision prompted by Tamim Iqbal's fitness concerns.
Now that Tamim Iqbal is left out of the World Cup, fans are not seeing the Tamim-Litton pair in the opening. However, the absence of Tamim may not hamper Bangladesh’s performance. This year, Tamim Iqbal played 11 ODIs for Bangladesh and scored 283 runs. He did not have a significant contribution in most of the matches. His highest score in 2023 was 69 runs against Ireland at Chelmsford on May 14, 2023. Since Bangladesh is starting the World Cup with a balanced team, Tigers can do well without Tamim.
Read more: ICC World Cup 2023: India ODI Squad Analysis
The change in leadership could prove beneficial for the Bangladeshi team, considering Shakib's standing as arguably the best player in the squad. Renowned for leading from the front with his exceptional all-rounder skills, the veteran is expected to bring a fighting spirit to the team in the upcoming competition. Under their stylish all-rounder, Bangladesh aims to show some power against other tough opponents.
Bangladesh has landed in India for the 2023 World Cup with a well-balanced squad. The team comprises a mix of experienced players and promising newcomers, a combination that holds potential advantages. The veterans like Shakib, Mushfiqur Rahim, and Mahmudullah take charge and motivate emerging talents such as Tanzid Hasan, Towhid Hridoy, Shoriful Islam, and Hasan Mahmud to deliver their best for the team.
Read more: Bangladesh's Fixtures for ICC World Cup 2023
Strengths
Bangladesh remains competitive in cricket due to its proficient spin-bowling attack. Shakib Al Hasan's dual role as an all-rounder provides a crucial balance, particularly with his strategic bowling. Supported by Mehidy Hasan Miraz, the team benefits from a blend of off-break and left-arm spin. Shakib's experience, especially in Indian conditions, and impressive World Cup track record make him pivotal for key matches in subcontinental settings.
Weakness
Heading to the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2023, several teams, including Bangladesh, are dealing with injuries. Ebadot Hossain, a key fast bowler for Bangladesh, has been sidelined due to a significant knee injury, posing a substantial setback. Despite the team's management expressing the desire to include Tamim Iqbal in the squad, a persistent back injury has ultimately prevented his inclusion in the final lineup.
The Tigers' passionate displays are admirable, but their ability to control emotions during critical moments is crucial. Past controversies, like animated celebrations and verbal conflicts, raise concerns.
Read more: ICC World Cup 2023 Venues: Cities and Stadiums in India
Also, Bangladesh occasionally lacks a winning mentality, exemplified by Shakib Al Hasan's prior comment. Shifting towards a confident belief in winning, rather than a defensive approach, is vital for success in the upcoming games.
Key Players in Bangladesh ODI World Cup 2023
Shakib Al Hasan
In the 2019 World Cup, Shakib Al Hasan emerged as a standout performer, picked by many people as the unofficial player of the Tournament. He consistently surpassed fifty in seven out of eight innings, achieving two centuries. Remarkably, he became the first cricketer to score 500 runs and take 10 wickets in a single top-level ODI tournament.
Shakib also continued his performance in 2023. This year, he played 16 ODI matches so far and scored 549 runs with the highest runs of 93 and 5 fifties. He also took 14 wickets from 16 matches with 4/35 best bowling score. So, the Bangladesh team will greatly depend on Shakib’s performance as an all-rounder and a captain.
Read more: ICC World Cup 2023: Schedule, Fixtures, Venues, Team List
Mehidy Hasan Miraz
25-year-old all-rounder Mehidy Hasan Miraz is an important member of the Bangladesh team. He has shown that he has the ability to play big innings when given a chance by scoring a century to open the Afghanistan match in the Asia Cup. And he is a proven name with the ball. So far, he has played 82 ODI matches for Bangladesh and grabbed 91 wickets with 4/25 best bowling innings. So, Miraz has a good chance to do some magic.
Towhid Hridoy
Despite his recent debut, Hridoy is swiftly becoming a prominent figure in Bangladesh cricket. Across various series and tournaments, he consistently makes an indelible mark with his remarkable talent. As an under-19 World Cup winner in 2020, he played a crucial role in steering Bangladesh towards its dream of winning the World Cup.
Towhid Hridoy has been impressive in the latest matches. This year, he played 17 matches and scored 518 runs with an 86.33 strike rate. Hridoy came to the limelight after his 82 and 54 runs in the 2023 Asia Cup. However, he could not give his best in the New Zealand series in September 2023. But, still, Towhid can change the game in top order.
Read more: Banglalink to Livestream ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 with Unbeatable Internet Offers and World-Class Streaming Experiences
Taskin Ahmed
This year, Taskin appeared in 10 innings and grabbed 21 wickets. His tremendous performance in the Asia Cup 2023, taking 9 wickets from 4 matches, made him one of the players to watch in the 2023 World Cup. Notably, the 28-year-old fast bowler played a great role in Bangladesh's triumph against Afghanistan in the Asia Cup 2023, delivering an impressive performance with bowling figures of 4 for 44 in 8.3 overs. However, Taskin got 1 wicket in the World Cup match against Against se.
Final Words
The Bangladesh cricket squad possesses considerable talent and the potential to make a strong showing in the 2023 ICC ODI World Cup. Nonetheless, there have been instances where the team appears to lack unity. If each player maximizes their individual talents, Bangladesh stands a chance of causing an upset in the tournament.
Read more: ICC World Cup 2023 Live Streaming: How and Where to Watch all matches Online
ICC World Cup 2023 kicks off tomorrow
The long-awaited ICC World Cup 2023 is set to kick off tomorrow (October 5, 2023) with a highly anticipated clash between reigning champions, England, and runner-up, New Zealand, at the iconic Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.
Ten teams from across the globe will compete in this year’s Cricket World Cup, with five teams from Asia. India, a passionate cricketing nation, is playing host to what is anticipated to be the most memorable World Cup in history.
Hundreds of millions of fans worldwide are expected to follow the World Cup through television broadcasts and streaming platforms, while hundreds of thousands more will witness the action live from the grounds in various states across India.
Tigers arrive in Dharamshala for their first World Cup encounter
Under the leadership of Rohit Sharma, India is considered one of the top contenders for the title, along with defending champions England and the formidable New Zealand. Pakistan and Australia are also strong challengers on the road to the championship.
West Indies and Zimbabwe, two Test-playing nations, failed to make it to the World Cup.
Bangladesh boasts a formidable squad, led by Shakib Al Hasan, entering the tournament as the number one ODI all-rounder, for this edition of the Cricket World Cup.
Total absence from warm-ups fuels concern over Shakib's fitness
The Bangladesh squad is a blend of seasoned veterans and promising young talents. Alongside Shakib, Mushfiqur Rahim is set to participate in his fifth World Cup. Litton Das, Mustafizur Rahman, and Taskin Ahmed bring their wealth of World Cup experience to form a formidable force.
In the lead-up to the World Cup, Bangladesh suffered a home series loss to New Zealand, marking their first defeat to the Blackcaps on home soil in 15 years. The Tigers, however, secured a victory in their first official warm-up match against Sri Lanka before falling short in the second match against England.
Bangladesh will kick off their campaign against Afghanistan on October 7 in Dharamshala. Subsequently, they will face England at the same venue on October 10.
During the round-robin phase, Bangladesh is scheduled to play a total of nine matches in the World Cup. Following these matches, the top four teams with the highest points will progress to the semifinals. The winners of the semifinals will vie for the championship on November 19 at the Narendra Modi Stadium.
Bangladesh fall to England in final warm-up before World Cup
Some big matches:
While every match in the World Cup holds immense significance, certain matchups are expected to draw heightened attention from fans:
- England vs New Zealand on October 5 in Ahmedabad
- India vs Australia on October 8 in Chennai
- Pakistan vs Sri Lanka on October 10 in Hyderabad
- Australia vs South Africa on October 12 in Lucknow
- India vs Pakistan on October 14 in Ahmedabad
- India vs Bangladesh on October 19 in Pune
- Australia vs Pakistan on October 20 in Bengaluru
- India vs New Zealand on October 22 in Dharamsala
- South Africa vs Bangladesh on October 24 in Mumbai
- Australia vs New Zealand on October 28 in Dharamsala
- Bangladesh vs Pakistan on October 31 in Kolkata
- New Zealand vs Pakistan on November 4 in Bengaluru
- England vs Australia on November 4 in Ahmedabad
- Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka on November 6 in Delhi
- Bangladesh vs Australia on November 11 in Pune.
Read more: ICC World Cup 2023 Tickets: How to Buy Online, Booking, Prices, Starting Dates and Timings