India
ICC World Cup 2023: Bangladesh make strong opening against India
Bangladesh got off to a robust start in their ICC World Cup 2023 clash against India in Pune on Thursday (October 19, 2023).
Having won the toss, Bangladesh chose to bat first.
Also read: ICC World Cup 2023: Bangladesh opt to bat first against India; Shakib sidelined
In the initial 10 overs, Bangladesh accumulated 63 runs without losing a wicket.
Litton Das and Tanzid Hasan Tamim set a solid foundation after a somewhat shaky start in the first 4–5 overs. At the five-over mark, Bangladesh was at a mere 10 runs.
Also read: ICC World Cup 2023: Bangladesh to Face India on Thursday
The following five overs witnessed an acceleration, with Bangladesh scoring 53 runs—well over 10 runs per over.
Tanzid’s performance was particularly impressive. He achieved his inaugural fifty in just 41 balls, including three sixes and five fours. This marked the first half-century by a Bangladesh opener in this World Cup.
Also read: ICC World Cup 2023: Preview of IND vs. BAN ODI
By the 14th over, Bangladesh had reached 90 for no loss, with Tanzid at an unbeaten 50 and Litton batting at 37 off 43 balls.
Regular Bangladesh captain Shakib Al Hasan is absent from this match due to a muscle injury sustained in the last encounter against New Zealand. In his place, Bangladesh included Nasum Ahmed, with Najmul Hossain Shanto leading the team.
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ICC World Cup 2023: Preview of IND vs. BAN ODI
India and Bangladesh will meet for the fourth match of the 2023 ICC World Cup. India has won three out of the four previous encounters between the two teams. However, Bangladesh is eager to surprise its neighbors and boost their performance in the tournament. IND vs. BAN ODI match will take place on October 19 at Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium, Pune, at 2:30 pm.
Preview of India vs. Bangladesh ODI in the 2023 ICC World Cup
India Team’s Performance in the Ongoing World Cup Tournament So Far
The ICC World Cup has been really thrilling for Indian fans. With India winning consistently, fans are filled with hope for even more victories. India won over Australia by 6 wickets in the first match. In the second game against Afghanistan, India not only secured a remarkable victory with an outstanding performance but also set numerous historical records. For instance, Rohit Sharma made history by achieving the fastest century by an Indian player in a World Cup match.
India reached a total of 273 runs with 8 wickets to spare and 90 balls left in the second match, making it a comfortable win. However, the third match against Pakistan was anticipated to be more challenging and unpredictable. But India won that match smoothly, too. Shreyas Iyer hit a powerful four to reach his half-century, leading India to its 8th World Cup victory against Pakistan with a 7-wicket win. This significant triumph not only secured India's position at the top of the ICC World Cup 2023 points table but also dethroned New Zealand from the leading spot.
Read more: Bangladesh's Fixtures for ICC World Cup 2023
Team India has successfully dismissed both Australia and Pakistan under 200 runs. Additionally, they efficiently chased down Afghanistan's target of 273 in only 35 overs. With such impressive performances in both batting and bowling, it will require an extraordinary effort from opponents to defeat them in the coming matches.
Performance of Bangladesh Team in the Ongoing ICC World Cup So Far
Bangladesh started with a comfortable six-wicket win in the foothills of the Himalayas at Dharamsala. However, they faced a defeat at the same venue against England, and this was followed by a straightforward eight-wicket loss to New Zealand in Hyderabad.
Key players for Bangladesh have performed well in different matches, with five out of the top six players scoring half-centuries in the first three games. Tanzid Hasan Tamim, who replaced the controversially dropped Tamim Iqbal just before the tournament, is the only one among the top six who hasn't made a substantial contribution to the team's total so far.
While Bangladesh is aiming for a win against India, Shakib Al Hasan becomes doubtful due to injury. Shakib suffered a minor tear (grade I) in his quadriceps while playing against New Zealand in Chennai. Whether he will be part of the game against India depends on his performance during Tuesday's practice session. But Shakib is eager to participate in the match against India.
Read more: ICC World Cup 2023 Venues: Cities and Stadiums in India
India vs Bangladesh Head to Head in ODI
India and Bangladesh have had closely fought encounters in ODIs on multiple occasions. In ODIs, India and Bangladesh have played against each other 40 times. Out of these matches, India won 31, Bangladesh emerged victorious in 8, and one match ended without a result.
Table: India vs Bangladesh Head-to-Head ODI Matches So Far
Matches
India Won
Bangladesh Won
No Result
40
31
8
1
Predicted Playing XI for India
Rohit Sharma (c), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (wk), Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Shardul Thakur, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj.
Predicted Playing XI for Bangladesh
Tanzid Hasan, Litton Das, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Shakib Al Hasan (c), Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Mushfiqur Rahim (wk), Towhid Hridoy, Mahedi Hasan, Taskin Ahmed, Shoriful Islam, Mustafizur Rahman.
Read more: ICC World Cup 2023 Tickets: How to Buy Online, Booking, Prices, Starting Dates and Timings
Key Indian Players to Watch
Rohit Sharma
Although Rohit is at the end of his cricket career, he seems to be as unstoppable as he was four years ago, when he set a record with five centuries at the 2019 World Cup.
He is still showcasing his batting mastery in the 2023 World Cup. Sharma achieved a historic seventh World Cup century in India's recent victory over Afghanistan. Rohit Sharma's exceptional performance played a significant role in India's dominant eight-wicket win in the match against Afghanistan in Delhi. Further, his 86 runs from 63 balls also helped India to win the last match against Pakistan. With 217 runs, he is now the third top scorer of this World Cup.
Jasprit Bumrah
After his outstanding performance against the Afghans, he also added two more wickets to his bag. Jasprit Bumrah showed his top-notch bowling skills with a stellar performance, securing his best bowling figures of 4/39 against Afghanistan. With his two wickets in the last match, Bumrah holds the top position as the highest wicket-taker in this World Cup, along with Mitchell Santner and Matt Henry. All three of them got 8 wickets in three matches.
Shubman Gill
Shubman was absent from India's initial two matches in the 2023 World Cup due to dengue. However, he made a stylish comeback in the match against Pakistan. He scored 16 runs from 11 balls. Shubman hit 4 fours. So, he might give his best against Bangladesh and have a great chance to dominate Bangladeshi bowlers.
Read more: ICC World Cup 2023: India ODI Squad Analysis
Key Bangladeshi Players to Watch
Mushfiqur Rahim
Among all the Bangladeshi batters, Mushfique has been a bit consistent. After scoring 51 runs against England, he scored 66 runs against New Zealand, which was the top score by a Bangladeshi batter in that match.
Shakib Al Hasan
Shakib's significance was highlighted once more in the match against New Zealand in Chennai. He played a crucial role by scoring 40 runs and forming a vital partnership with Mushfiqur, rescuing Bangladesh from a challenging situation after they were down to 56-4 within the 13th over. If Shakib can play the next match, he can pose significant challenges in the next match. Previously, he scored 80 runs from 85 balls in Asia Cup 2023 against India. So, Indian bowlers should be careful against Shakib.
Mahmudullah
Mahmudullah played the first and third matches. However, he did not play the first match against Afghanistan, and Bangladesh won the match before he needed to bat. But Mahmudullah played a crucial role in the last match against New Zealand as he scored 41 runs from 49 balls. So, he might need to take some responsibility if Bangladesh’s top order falls.
Read more: Analysis of Bangladesh Squad for ICC World Cup 2023
Final Words
It's rare for teams to go undefeated throughout an entire ICC World Cup, even for the eventual winners. However, India appears well-equipped to achieve this. Now, they are heading to play Bangladesh with an aim to win. Considering the recent performance, India have a bigger chance of winning than Bangladesh in the IND vs. BAN ODI Match on October 19 in the 2023 ICC World Cup tournament.
Read more: ICC World Cup 2023: Schedule, Fixtures, Venues, Team List
'Deeply regret the incident': Litton apologizes after journos removed from team hotel
Bangladesh's star batsman, Litton Das, has expressed his regret via social media following an incident where he had journalists from Bangladesh removed from the team hotel in Pune, India.
On Sunday (October 15, 2023), when the Bangladesh team had no scheduled practice or media interactions, journalists visited the team hotel. Litton did not welcome the idea. He summoned the hotel's security personnel and instructed them to escort the journalists away.
World Cup 2023: England outplayed as Afghanistan script historic win in Delhi
This incident ignited debate and discussion among Bangladeshi journalists covering the ICC World Cup in India. Some reporters questioned Litton's professionalism in their reports aired on television or shared on social media platforms.
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Within 24 hours of the incident, Litton extended an apology.
World Cup 2023: England struggling in pursuit of 285 v Afghanistan
"I deeply regret the unforeseen incident that occurred yesterday at the team hotel," Litton posted. "I hold the media in high regard. The indispensable role of journalists in advancing Bangladesh cricket is acknowledged and appreciated."
The Bangladesh team has participated in three matches in the ICC World Cup 2023 so far, securing a victory in one. In the upcoming match, Bangladesh will face India on October 19.
World Cup 2023: Rahmanullah, Ikram Lead Afghanistan to 284 Against England
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.
World Cup 2023: Tigers outplayed again as New Zealand win by 8 wickets
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: 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
Delhi Travel Guide: Must-see Places and Fun Activities in the Indian Capital
Standing on the bank of the Yamuna River, Delhi, India's capital territory, presents a captivating mix of history, culture, and modernity. Its strategic location, at the centre of the Indian subcontinent, has made it a bustling hub of diverse influences. And, this year, this city is one of the venues of the ICC World Cup. Delhi promises a wide range of experiences, from exploring ancient monuments to savouring delicious cuisine, along with sports excitement. Let’s take a look at this Delhi travel guide and explore the numerous facets of this fascinating metropolis.
Top 10 Famous Tourist Places to Visit in Delhi, India
Arun Jaitley Stadium
Formerly known as Feroz Shah Kotla Stadium, this cricket venue was established in 1883. Five matches of the Cricket World Cup 2023 are going to be held at this stadium located on Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg in New Delhi. Among them, the match between Bangladesh and Sri Lanka is set for November 6, 2023.
India Gate
Also known as the All India War Memorial, it stands on the side of the Rajpath in New Delhi. The 138-foot-tall historic structure was designed by British architect Sir Edwin Lutyens. A Republic Day parade is held annually around this war memorial.
Read more: Shopping in Kolkata: What to Buy and Where to Buy from
This structure is dedicated mainly to the 84,000 Indian and British soldiers who perished during the First World War and the Third Anglo-Afghan War. Engravings on the monument surface display the names of 13,300 soldiers. Local food hawkers often gather here, offering various delicacies for picnicking groups. A charming children's park is also nearby.
Qutub Minar
Known as Victory Tower, this minaret is part of the Qutub Complex in Lal Kot, Delhi. Qutub Minar's construction began in 1199 under Qutub-ud-Din Aibak. Shamsuddin Iltutmish completed the upper sections between 1199 and 1503.
Qutub Minar brilliantly merges Islamic architecture with Southwest Asian design. In 1993, UNESCO bestowed upon it the prestigious title of a World Heritage Site.
Read more: Spain Travel Guide: Top 10 Must-Visit Places
Israel-Hamas war: Why India’s Congress is facing backlash over ‘support for Palestine’
India’s Congress Party has been criticised for its statement on the Israel-Hamas war. Over 3,000 people have been killed in the most recent conflict between Israel and Hamas.
The Congress denounced the attacks on the Israeli people on Sunday (October 08, 2023), noting that violence never solves anything, reports NDTV. After Hamas fired 5,000 rockets from Gaza into Israel, a full-fledged conflict broke out.
Also read: Palestinians scramble for safety as Israel pounds sealed-off Gaza Strip to punish Hamas
The Congress Working Committee (CWC), voiced "dismay and anguish" over the conflict and reiterated its support for the Palestinian people's right to "land (and) self-government, and to live with dignity and respect".
Congress General Secretary Jairam Ramesh stated that his party has always maintained that the genuine aspirations of the Palestinian people must be met through dialogue while safeguarding Israeli national security concerns, the report said.
Also read: What to know on fifth day of latest Israel-Palestinian war
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) slammed the statement, claiming that Congress was “supporting Hamas”. The BJP accused the opposition of being a "hostage to minority vote bank politics" and of sponsoring terrorism, it added.
"Congress' CWC resolution on the Israel war is a classic example of how Indian foreign policy was hostage to Congress' minority vote bank politics, until Modi happened," BJP MP Tejasvi Surya said, adding "A reminder of how quickly things will go back to zero if we aren't vigilant in 2024."
Also read: Israel-Hamas war: Humanitarian groups scrambling to assist civilians
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has strongly denounced the acts and stated unequivocally that India stands with Israel.
The war's total death toll has surpassed 3,000, and Israel's military has announced the construction of a base for thousands of soldiers in preparation for the next phase of reprisal. Late Monday, Hamas warned it was ready to execute captives it had captured if Israel attacked.
Shopping in Kolkata: What to Buy and Where to Buy from
Travel and shopping complement each other seamlessly during travels. Purchasing souvenirs and other mementos is a delightful part of the travel experience. With its deep-rooted culture and history, Kolkata in West Bengal, India offers many distinctive items for travellers to take home and cherish. In this article, we will guide you through the best things to buy in Kolkata.
Best Souvenirs to Buy in Kolkata
Kolkata is a city synonymous with cultural richness. It is renowned for its diverse array of offerings, particularly its exquisite sarees crafted from various fabrics like cotton, silk, and muslin. Among these, the Tant, Dhakai Jamdani, and Murshidabad Silk sarees stand out. Besides these, diverse attire for women like party-wears, 3-piece salwar kameez sets, embroidered lehenga sets, etc are widely popular among tourists visiting Kolkata.
In addition to sarees, Kolkata is celebrated for its terracotta handicrafts, meticulously shaped from clay. These handicrafts come in a myriad of shapes and sizes, adorned with intricate designs.
Shola pith or sholapith (also known as shola or Indian cork), a unique reed, finds its purpose in crafting delicate figurines, masks, and jewellery. The craftsmanship involved in creating Sholapith handicrafts is awe-inspiring, making them a coveted gift item.
Conch shell bangles (also known as Shaankha) are a good choice as memorable souvenirs. Crafted from conch shells, these bangles come in various colours and sizes, suitable for any occasion. These bangles add to Kolkata's list of distinctive offerings.
Visit to Kolkata will be incomplete without indulging in this city’s delectable sweets. Rasmalai, Mishti Doi, and Sandesh, made from fresh milk and sugar, and flavoured with cardamom or saffron, present a symphony of taste. They epitomise the city's culinary excellence.
All of these showcase the city's skilled craftsmanship. Kolkata's vibrant tapestry of culture and craft beckons visitors to take home a piece of its artistic heritage and culinary delights.
Read more: Mumbai Travel Guide: Must-visit Places and Fun Activities
Home Decoration Things to Buy in Kolkata
Kolkata is revered for its diverse craftsmanship, notably its brassware. Forged from brass, a versatile metal alloy, brassware presents different shapes and sizes, often embellished with intricate designs. Incorporating brassware into your home decor can infuse an appeal of elegance.
Another prominent craft in Kolkata is woodwork, fashioned from various high-quality woods. This craftsmanship manifests in furniture, figurines, and wall hangings. They adorn your living space with warmth and sophistication. The natural beauty of wood adds a timeless charm to any home.
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
India-Canada diplomatic row: Talks with India ‘in private,’ says Canadian Foreign Minister
Ottawa believes in having a “strong diplomatic footprint” in India, Canadian Foreign Minister Melanie Joly has said.
Canada Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has stated that Ottawa is not aiming to “escalate” tensions with India. His government has stated that “private” conversations are being held in order to preserve a “strong diplomatic footprint” in India, reports NDTV.
Also read: How India’s relations with Canada hit rock bottom
Trudeau addressed the media after the Financial Times reported that India wants 41 of the 62 Canadian diplomats out of the country after Trudeau alleged that the Indian government was involved in the killing of a Sikh separatist on Canadian soil, it said.
According to CBC News, in response to a question on whether Canada will request India to remove diplomats, he stated, “We’re not looking to escalate, as I’ve said, we’re going to be doing the work that matters in continuing to have constructive relations with India through this extremely difficult time.”
Also read: Despite dispute, Canada remains committed to its relationship with India: Trudeau
In a similar vein, Canadian Foreign Minister Melanie Joly stated that Ottawa believes in establishing a “strong diplomatic footprint” in India. “We are in contact with the government of India. We take Canadian diplomats’ safety very seriously, and we will continue to engage privately because we think that diplomatic conversations are best when they remain private,” she was quoted as saying by Global News, the report said.
“In moments of tensions – because indeed there are tensions between both our governments more than ever – it’s important that diplomats be on the ground, and that’s why we believe in the importance of having a strong diplomatic footprint in India,” she added.
Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Canadian Sikh separatist leader involved with the Khalistan movement, was killed by masked gunmen in British Columbia in June. The Indian Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act labelled the 45-year-old as a “terrorist,” the NDTV report said.
Trudeau accused India of being involved in Nijjar’s death a few weeks ago. “Canadian security agencies have been actively pursuing credible allegations of a potential link between agents of the Government of India and the killing of a Canadian citizen, Hardeep Singh Nijjar,” he said, adding, “Any involvement of a foreign government in the killing of a Canadian citizen on Canadian soil is an unacceptable violation of our sovereignty.”
Also read: India and Canada steer clear, in UN speeches, of their dispute over Sikh separatist leader’s killing
This sparked a diplomatic uproar. The claims were described as “absurd” and “motivated” by India. Following this, both Canada and India removed top ambassadors and issued travel cautions.