One Day International (ODI) cricket will again be in the spotlight with the 2023 Cricket World Cup to be held in India from 5 October to 19 November 2023. While 50-over cricket has been overshadowed somewhat in recent years by T20 cricket, a 50-over World Cup always generates great excitement and fervour for cricket fans.
The 2023 edition is set to be a fairly open tournament with several teams competing that could potentially lift the trophy. The 10-team format, in which every team plays each other, not only ensures that there are numerous exciting matches to look forward to but also creates a fair contest that will reward the best teams.
While the subcontinent teams will be most appreciative of playing in Indian conditions, the players in the other competing teams are also used to these conditions due to player experience in the Indian Premier League (IPL), which means that many close matches should be played.
Here’s a quick preview of the tournament, with previews and full squads for each team:
Group Stage
5 October, 10:30: England v New Zealand -Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad
6 October, 10:30: Pakistan v Netherlands Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Hyderabad
7 October, 07:00: Afghanistan v Bangladesh, HPCA Stadium, Dharamshala
7 October, 10:30: South Africa v Sri Lanka, Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi
8 October, 10:30: Australia v India, M. A. Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai
9 October, 10:30: New Zealand v Netherlands, Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Hyderabad
10 October, 07:00: Bangladesh v England, HPCA Stadium, Dharamshala
10 October, 10:30: Pakistan v Sri Lanka, Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Hyderabad
11 October, 10:30: Afghanistan v India, Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi
12 October, 10:30: Australia v South Africa, BRSABV Ekana Cricket Stadium, Lucknow
13 October, 10:30: Bangladesh v New Zealand, M. A. Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai
14 October, 10:30: India v Pakistan, Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad
15 October, 10:30: Afghanistan v England, Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi
16 October, 10:30: Australia v Sri Lanka, BRSABV Ekana Cricket Stadium, Lucknow
17 October, 10:30: South Africa v Netherlands, HPCA Stadium, Dharamshala
18 October, 10:30: Afghanistan v New Zealand, M. A. Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai
19 October, 10:30: Bangladesh v India, Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium, Pune
20 October, 10:30: Australia v Pakistan, M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bangalore
21 October, 07:00: Netherlands v Sri Lanka, BRSABV Ekana Cricket Stadium, Lucknow
21 October, 10:30: England v South Africa, Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai
22 October, 10:30: India v New Zealand, HPCA Stadium, Dharamshala
23 October, 10:30: Afghanistan v Pakistan, M. A. Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai
24 October, 10:30: Bangladesh v South Africa, Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai
25 October, 10:30: Australia v Netherlands, Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi
26 October, 10:30: England v Sri Lanka, M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bangalore
27 October, 10:30: Pakistan v South Africa, M. A. Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai
28 October, 07:00: Australia v New Zealand, HPCA Stadium, Dharamshala
28 October, 10:30: Bangladesh v Netherlands, Eden Gardens, Kolkata
29 October, 10:30: England v India, BRSABV Ekana Cricket Stadium, Lucknow
30 October, 10:30: Afghanistan v Sri Lanka, Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium, Pune
31 October, 10:30: Bangladesh v Pakistan, Eden Gardens, Kolkata
1 November, 10:30: New Zealand v South Africa, Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium, Pune
2 November, 10:30: India v Sri Lanka, Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai
3 November, 10:30: Afghanistan v Netherlands, BRSABV Ekana Cricket Stadium, Lucknow
4 November, 07:00: New Zealand v Pakistan, M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bangalore
4 November, 10:30: Australia v England, Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad
5 November, 10:30: India v South Africa, Eden Gardens, Kolkata
6 November, 10:30: Bangladesh v Sri Lanka, Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi
7 November, 10:30: Australia v Afghanistan, Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai
8 November, 10:30: England v Netherlands, Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium, Pune
9 November, 10:30: New Zealand v Sri Lanka, M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bangalore
10 November, 10:30: Afghanistan v South Africa, Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad
11 November 07:00: Australia v Bangladesh, Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium, Pune
11 November, 10:30: England v Pakistan, Eden Gardens, Kolkata
12 November, 10:30: India v Netherlands, M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bangalore
Semi-finals
15 November, 10:30: 1st Placed Team v 4th Placed Team, Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai
16 November, 10:30: 2nd Placed Team v 3rd Placed Team, Eden Gardens, Kolkata
Final
19 November, 10:30: Semi-final 1 Winner v Semi-final 2 Winner, Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad
Team Previews
South Africa
Can South Africa finally overcome their “chokers” tag and win the World Cup? This will be the burning question for Proteas’ fans as the 2023 vintage tries to finally banish its World Cup ghosts. The team is not considered to be one of the favourites for the cup, and this reduced pressure could perhaps work to the team’s advantage. The ability of both the batsmen and bowlers to adapt to Indian conditions will be key to their chances, with the experience that players have gained in the IPL helpful in this regard.
The Proteas have a good ODI team, especially considering the big-hitting and experienced batsmen in their arsenal. Captain Temba Bavuma has been in terrific form of late, while Quinton de Kock, Reeza Hendricks, Heinrich Klaasen, Aiden Markram, David Miller and Rassie van der Dussen can all set up and chase big scores.
Much will be expected of star fast bowler Kagiso Rabada, who will be supported by fast bowlers Lungi Ngidi, Marco Jansen and rookie Gerald Coetzee, as well as experienced spin duo Tabraiz Shamsi and Keshav Maharaj.
South Africa squad:
Temba Bavuma (c), Gerald Coetzee, Quinton de Kock, Reeza Hendricks, Marco Jansen, Heinrich Klaasen, Andile Phehlukwayo, Keshav Maharaj, Aiden Markram, David Miller, Lungi Ngidi, Kagiso Rabada, Tabraiz Shamsi, Rassie van der Dussen, Lizaad Williams.
Australia
The 5-time World Cup champions will once again be a major contender for the trophy, thanks to several star players as well as their good record in ICC tournaments. Australia has enjoyed fairly good ODI results in recent times, despite losing 5 matches in a row in September 2023. With their aggressive, attacking approach, Australia will be feared by opponents and an exciting team to watch.
Australia possesses several attacking and big-hitting batsmen such as David Warner, Travis Head, Steve Smith, Mitchell Marsh and Alex Carey who can easily clear the ropes and rack up huge scores. They also have a quality bowling attack spearheaded by fast bowler and captain Pat Cummins, as well as Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazelwood, while Adam Zampa will provide the spin option.
Australia’s backup bowlers such as Stonis, Green, Head and Marsh may prove to be a weaker aspect of their bowling, so there will be pressure on the frontline bowlers to take wickets and keep things in check.
Australia Squad:
Pat Cummins (c), Steve Smith, Alex Carey, Josh Inglis, Sean Abbott, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Marnus Labuschagne, Mitch Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, David Warner, Adam Zampa, Mitchell Starc.
Afghanistan
Afghanistan has gone from strength to strength in international cricket, despite the political, economic and social difficulties and crises that the country constantly faces. While cricket only became popular in the country about 20 years ago, it has quickly made its mark in the international game and has even achieved test match status.
While they are still considered minnows, Afghanistan has started to challenge several top teams and will be a real threat at the 2023 Cricket World Cup. The team possesses a range of aggressive batsmen such as skipper Hashmatullah Shahidi, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Ibrahim Zadran and Rahmat Shah. On the bowling front, they will look to a spin quartet led by match-winner Rashid Khan, who is ranked fifth in ODIs and is the top-ranked bowler in T20 internationals, as well as Mohammad Nabi, Mujeeb Ur Rahman and Noor Ahmad.
Afghanistan Squad:
Hashmatullah Shahidi (c), Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Ibrahim Zadran, Riaz Hassan, Rahmat Shah, Najibullah Zadran, Mohammad Nabi, Ikram Alikhil, Azmatullah Omarzai, Rashid Khan, Mujeeb ur Rahman, Noor Ahmad, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Abdul Rahman, Naveen-ul-Haq.
Bangladesh
Bangladesh have moved on past their initial reputation as underperformers in international cricket who sometimes beat bigger teams. They have developed consistency in their game and are now known for regularly knocking over some of the top-ranked ODI teams. The turning pitches of India will most likely suit their style of play, as their slow bowlers could prove effective while their batsmen will enjoy not having to contend with excessive pace and bounce.
Led by captain Shakib-Al Hasan, considered the number 1 ODI allrounder, the team will be able to unleash dynamic batsmen such as Litton Das, Najmul Hossain Shanto and Mushfiqur Rahim, while Hasan will be supported in the bowling department by spinners Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Mahedi Hasan and fast bowlers Taskin Ahmed and Mustafizur Rahman.
Bangladesh Squad:
Shakib Al Hasan (C), Mushfiqur Rahim, Litton Das, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Towhid Hridoy, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Taskin Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman, Hasan Mahmud, Shoriful Islam, Nasum Ahmed, Mahedi Hasan, Tanzid Hasan, Tanzim Hasan, Mahmudulla
England
The defending World Cup champions have backslid somewhat in ODI cricket since their nail-biting 2019 victory but will still be considered a huge threat for the trophy. Their ultra-aggressive batting style has arguably helped revolutionise 50-over cricket in recent years, with other teams gradually adopting a more aggressive approach.
Numerous 2019 winners will be part of the squad, including captain and explosive opener Jos Buttler, 2019 hero Ben Stokes, batsmen Joe Root, Moeen Ali, and Jonny Bairstow, bowlers Adil Rashid and Mark Wood, and all-rounder Chris Woakes. Bringing some youthful flair are heralded test batsman Harry Brook and star T20 all-rounder Sam Curran,
England squad:
Jos Buttler (c), Moeen Ali, Gus Atkinson, Jonny Bairstow, Harry Brook, Sam Curran, Liam Livingstone, Dawid Malan, Adil Rashid, Joe Root, Ben Stokes, Reece Topley, David Willey, Mark Wood, Chris Woakes
India
A cricket-crazy host nation will expect nothing less than a 2023 World Cup victory for the 1983 and 2011 winners. India will certainly be regarded as hot favourites, as they are not only playing at home but boast a range of star players who are used to home conditions. The intense pressure placed on India will perhaps be their greatest stumbling block, but if they can block out the noise then they are primed for repeating their 2011 heroics at home.
Captain Rohit Sharma’s form at the top of the order will be key, as India usually fires when he gets the team off to a good start. They’ll also rely heavily on batsmen such as veteran and star player Virat Kohli, as well as Shubman Gill, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul and all-rounder Hardik Pandya. India will enjoy much variety in their attack, with star slow bowlers Ravindra Jadeja and Ravichandran Ashwin backed by a fairly formidable fast bowling attack that includes Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj and Mohammed Shami.
India squad:
Rohit Sharma (c), Hardik Pandya (vc), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, Ravindra Jadeja, Ravichandran Ashwin, Shardul Thakur, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Shami, Ishan Kishan, Surya Kumar Yadav
Netherlands
The Netherlands have improved immeasurably as a limited-overs cricket team, which was in full evidence as they qualified for the 2023 World Cup by beating the Windies in a super over after matching their mammoth 374. The team can no longer be considered pushovers, and the 9 test-playing nations competing in the World Cup will have to be wary of them.
The team’s strength has been boosted by a host of players born outside Holland, including South African batsmen Colin Ackermann and Sybrand Engelbrecht, bowler Roelof van der Merwe, New Zealand batsman Max o’ Dowd, and captain Scott Edwards, who was born and raised in Australia. Batsmen such as Logan Van Beek and Vikram Singh will offer dynamism and punch, while they possess steady bowlers who will rely on accuracy and pressure to squeeze opposition teams.
Netherlands Squad:
Scott Edwards (c & wk), Max O’Dowd, Bas de Leede, Vikram Singh, Teja Nidamanuru, Paul van Meekeren, Colin Ackermann, Roelof van der Merwe, Logan van Beek, Aryan Dutt, Ryan Klein, Wesley Barresi, Saqib Zulfiqar, Shariz Ahmad, Sybrand Engelbrecht.
New Zealand
After two consecutive World Cup final losses, and having come agonisingly close to winning in 2019, New Zealand will be hoping to get over the final hurdle and finally lift the cup. While New Zealand cricket teams are often underestimated, those who take them lightly will do so at their peril.
New Zealand has a well-balanced squad that includes powerful batsmen such as captain Kane Williamson, Daryl Mitchell, Devon Conway and Glenn Phillips, while they can offer quality fast bowlers such as Matt Henry, Trent Boult, and Tim Southee, slow bowling options in the form of Ish Sodhi and Mitchell Santner, and impactful all-rounder Jimmy Neesham.
New Zealand squad:
Kane Williamson (c), Trent Boult, Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry, Tom Latham, Daryl Mitchell, Jimmy Neesham, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Mitch Santner, Ish Sodhi, Tim Southee, Will Young
Pakistan
Always considered the “wildcard” in ICC tournaments, Pakistan’s chances of victory in 2023 will depend heavily on which team turns up for the tournament: will it be the dangerous and dynamic team that won in 1992 and made the final in 1999, or will it be the team that often falls apart in the face of pressure?
A lot will rest on the shoulders of captain and number one-ranked ODI batsman Babar Azam, while unpredictable but talented batsmen such as Fakhar Zaman, Imam-ul-Haq, Mohammad Rizwan and Saud Shakeel will also need to come to the party. One should not underestimate Pakistan’s bowling attack, which includes dangerous left-arm fast bowler Shaheen Afridi, fast bowlers Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali and Mohammed Wasim and tweakers Shadab Khan and Usama Mir.
Pakistan squad:
Babar Azam (c), Shadab Khan, Fakhar Zaman, Imam-ul-Haq, Abdullah Shafique, Mohammad Rizwan, Saud Shakeel, Iftikhar Ahmed, Salman Ali Agha, Mohammad Nawaz, Usama Mir, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Shaheen Afridi, Mohammad Wasim.
Sri Lanka
The 1996 champions and 2007 and 2011 finalists can never be discounted, despite their reduced strength due to the retirement of a few star players over the last 10 years or so. They showed outstanding form in going unbeaten during the World Cup qualifying tournament but were brought down to earth somewhat when they were humiliated by India in the Asia Cup final, having been bowled out for 50.
A range of exciting batsmen will be hoping to make their mark on the tournament, including Kusal Perera, Pathum Nissanka, Dimuth Karunaratne, Kusal Mendis and Charith Asalanka. The team has been dealt a big blow following the withdrawal due to injury of star spinner Wanindu Hasranga, and they will hope that fast bowlers Lahiru Kumara, Dilshan Madushanka and Kasun Rajitha, as well as slow bowlers Maheesh Theekshana and Dunith Wellalage, can live up to expectations.
Sri Lanka squad:
Dasun Shanaka (c), Kusal Mendis (vc), Kusal Perera, Pathum Nissanka, Dimuth Karunaratne, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Charith Asalanka, Dhananjaya de Silva, Dushan Hemantha, Maheesh Theekshana, Dunith Wellalage, Kasun Rajitha, Matheesha Pathirana, Lahiru Kumara, Dilshan Madushanka.
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