ICC Men's Cricket World Cup
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LIVE
Warm-up (D/N), Hyderabad, September 29, 2023, ICC Cricket World Cup Warm-up Matches
PAK
345/5
NZ
(4/50 ov, T:346) 17/1
New Zealand need 329 runs from 46 overs.
Current RR: 4.25
• Required RR: 7.15
LIVE
Warm-up (D/N), Hyderabad, September 29, 2023, ICC Cricket World Cup Warm-up Matches
345/5
(4/50 ov, T:346) 17/1
New Zealand need 329 runs from 46 overs.
Current RR: 4.25
• Required RR: 7.15
ghazi52
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BBC
IMAGE SOURCE,AFP
Jasprit Bumrah will have an important role to play in the World Cup
By Suresh Menon
Sports writer
When India first won the cricket World Cup in 1983, their bowlers were mainly all-rounders.
Many were called 'bits-and-pieces' cricketers (who could bowl a bit and bat a bit), but with a couple of exceptions - skipper Kapil Dev being the biggest one - most wouldn't find a place in the team for their bowling alone.
There was Madan Lal, Roger Binny, Sandeep Patil, Mohinder Amarnath and onl
y two specialist medium-pacers, Balwinder Sandhu and Sunil Valson. The lone spinner in the squad was Ravi Shastri, who didn't play in the final.
India called on six bowlers in that game. Patil wasn't needed, and nor was opener Krishnamachari Srikkanth who in later years was good enough to claim five wickets in an innings against New Zealand with his off-spin. Amarnath's gentle (almost kind) pace contributed to his man of the match awards in both the semi-finals and final.
But 40 years ago, the essence of one-day cricket was slightly different. The focus was not so much on taking wickets as on keeping the run-scoring in check. Over the years, the emphasis shifted to dismissing batters (on the sensible theory that a batter who is out cannot score runs), and now the need is for wicket-takers rather than defensive bowlers.
In India's win at home in the 2011 World Cup, top batters Sachin Tendulkar, Yuvraj Singh, Virender Sehwag and Suresh Raina could all bowl. Only the first two were needed in the final where seven bowled, including Virat Kohli.
IMAGE SOURCE,AFP
Shami has been a consistent performer on all pitches
Seven of the 12 most successful bowlers in that tournament were medium-pacers, with India's Zaheer Khan claiming the most wickets (21), the same as Pakistan's leg-spinner Shahid Afridi.
In that squad, apart from Khan, the seamers were S Sreesanth, Munaf Patel, Ashish Nehra and Praveen Kumar while Harbhajan Singh, Piyush Chawla and Ravichandran Ashwin were the spinners. The focus was clearly on pace then, as it is likely to be this year too.
The bits-and-pieces players of 1983 have given way to the specialists of 2023 in an Indian team that doesn't have anyone in the top half who can turn his arm over. This is a bit unfair on the bottom half, for bowlers are also expected to bat a little.
This seems to go against the logic of the shorter game where, theoretically, everybody is expected to do a bit of everything. But you can only use the players you have.
Is India's strength spin or pace?
A line-up of Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Mohammed Shami, Shardul Thakur and Hardik Pandya suggests that it is pace, especially with Bumrah back in the team after recovering from a back injury and bowling close to his best.
IMAGE SOURCE,AFP
Siraj's heroics at the Asia Cup might get him the nod ahead of others
Bumrah will have an important role to play, while Siraj's heroics at the Asia Cup finals might get him the nod ahead of the others. When the third seamer's slot is a choice between Shami and Thakur, you know you have a terrific unit.
While there is little idea of the kind of wickets being prepared (in 2011, the tournament was played in March and April), it is safe to assume that at least initially fast bowlers will play the major role.
It will be a while before the wickets begin to aid spin as more matches are played. Then there is the dew to consider, which often works against spin for the team that bowls second. Play starts at 2pm local time, so there might be a small window before the lights come on for medium pacers to swing the ball. So it's down to balance once again. You need bowling for all occasions.
And India have just that.
Kuldeep Yadav has emerged as the leading ODI spinner on current form. With Ashwin making it to the final squad - replacing injured left-armer Axar Patel - India will have the best spin combination, with Ravindra Jadeja giving India the luxury of playing three spinners.
IMAGE SOURCE,AFP
Kuldeep Yadav has emerged as the leading ODI spinner on current form
England have an excellent pace attack (Mark Wood, Chris Woakes, Reece Topley, David Willey and Sam Curran), Australia have Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, Pat Cummins, Marcus Stoinis and Cameron Green.
And despite the injury to Naseem Shah forcing a change, Pakistan still have an impressive line-up in Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali and Mohammad Wasim.
It might be tempting to see the World Cup as a battle between pace attacks. In that case, India hold their own comfortably - the most dramatic change in the team since their first World Cup win.
Cricket World Cup: Why India's pace attack is its strength
BBC
Jasprit Bumrah will have an important role to play in the World Cup
By Suresh Menon
Sports writer
When India first won the cricket World Cup in 1983, their bowlers were mainly all-rounders.
Many were called 'bits-and-pieces' cricketers (who could bowl a bit and bat a bit), but with a couple of exceptions - skipper Kapil Dev being the biggest one - most wouldn't find a place in the team for their bowling alone.
There was Madan Lal, Roger Binny, Sandeep Patil, Mohinder Amarnath and onl
y two specialist medium-pacers, Balwinder Sandhu and Sunil Valson. The lone spinner in the squad was Ravi Shastri, who didn't play in the final.
India called on six bowlers in that game. Patil wasn't needed, and nor was opener Krishnamachari Srikkanth who in later years was good enough to claim five wickets in an innings against New Zealand with his off-spin. Amarnath's gentle (almost kind) pace contributed to his man of the match awards in both the semi-finals and final.
But 40 years ago, the essence of one-day cricket was slightly different. The focus was not so much on taking wickets as on keeping the run-scoring in check. Over the years, the emphasis shifted to dismissing batters (on the sensible theory that a batter who is out cannot score runs), and now the need is for wicket-takers rather than defensive bowlers.
In India's win at home in the 2011 World Cup, top batters Sachin Tendulkar, Yuvraj Singh, Virender Sehwag and Suresh Raina could all bowl. Only the first two were needed in the final where seven bowled, including Virat Kohli.
Shami has been a consistent performer on all pitches
Seven of the 12 most successful bowlers in that tournament were medium-pacers, with India's Zaheer Khan claiming the most wickets (21), the same as Pakistan's leg-spinner Shahid Afridi.
In that squad, apart from Khan, the seamers were S Sreesanth, Munaf Patel, Ashish Nehra and Praveen Kumar while Harbhajan Singh, Piyush Chawla and Ravichandran Ashwin were the spinners. The focus was clearly on pace then, as it is likely to be this year too.
The bits-and-pieces players of 1983 have given way to the specialists of 2023 in an Indian team that doesn't have anyone in the top half who can turn his arm over. This is a bit unfair on the bottom half, for bowlers are also expected to bat a little.
This seems to go against the logic of the shorter game where, theoretically, everybody is expected to do a bit of everything. But you can only use the players you have.
Is India's strength spin or pace?
A line-up of Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Mohammed Shami, Shardul Thakur and Hardik Pandya suggests that it is pace, especially with Bumrah back in the team after recovering from a back injury and bowling close to his best.
Siraj's heroics at the Asia Cup might get him the nod ahead of others
Bumrah will have an important role to play, while Siraj's heroics at the Asia Cup finals might get him the nod ahead of the others. When the third seamer's slot is a choice between Shami and Thakur, you know you have a terrific unit.
While there is little idea of the kind of wickets being prepared (in 2011, the tournament was played in March and April), it is safe to assume that at least initially fast bowlers will play the major role.
It will be a while before the wickets begin to aid spin as more matches are played. Then there is the dew to consider, which often works against spin for the team that bowls second. Play starts at 2pm local time, so there might be a small window before the lights come on for medium pacers to swing the ball. So it's down to balance once again. You need bowling for all occasions.
And India have just that.
Kuldeep Yadav has emerged as the leading ODI spinner on current form. With Ashwin making it to the final squad - replacing injured left-armer Axar Patel - India will have the best spin combination, with Ravindra Jadeja giving India the luxury of playing three spinners.
Kuldeep Yadav has emerged as the leading ODI spinner on current form
England have an excellent pace attack (Mark Wood, Chris Woakes, Reece Topley, David Willey and Sam Curran), Australia have Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, Pat Cummins, Marcus Stoinis and Cameron Green.
And despite the injury to Naseem Shah forcing a change, Pakistan still have an impressive line-up in Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali and Mohammad Wasim.
It might be tempting to see the World Cup as a battle between pace attacks. In that case, India hold their own comfortably - the most dramatic change in the team since their first World Cup win.
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RESULT
Warm-up (D/N), Hyderabad, September 29, 2023, ICC Cricket World Cup Warm-up Matches
PAK
345/5
NZ
(43.4/50 ov, T:346) 346/5
New Zealand won by 5 wickets (with 38 balls remaining)
RESULT
Warm-up (D/N), Hyderabad, September 29, 2023, ICC Cricket World Cup Warm-up Matches
345/5
(43.4/50 ov, T:346) 346/5
New Zealand won by 5 wickets (with 38 balls remaining)
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September 29, 2023
Photo: AFP
DHAKA: Three cricketers, considered the backbone of Bangladesh’s golden generation, are expected to make their swansong at the World Cup, after dragging their side up from whipping-boy status over 15 years.
When Shakib Al Hasan, Mushfiqur Rahim and Mahmudullah Riyad came onto the scene in the mid-2000s, Bangladesh were mostly embarrassing as a national side.
But over the years they shed the pushover tag, especially in one-day internationals – the format used in the World Cup starting in India next week.
Bangladesh had won only 40 of their 218 games – just over 18 percent – across all formats when Shakib, Mushfiqur and Mahmudullah, along with the retired Mashrafe Mortaza and the axed Tamim Iqbal, first played together in a Twenty20 international against Sri Lanka in Johannesburg in 2007.
Only a few of those victories had come against higher-ranked teams.
But over the next 15 years they won nearly 40 percent of their games, including at least five wins against each Test-playing country.
And the 3-0 Twenty20 series win against world champions England this year ticked another box – at least one series win against all Test-playing countries, in one format or another.
But the series victories were never capped with a trophy from a major competition.
Aside from a tri-series in Ireland, involving the hosts and the West Indies ahead of the 2019 World Cup, Bangladesh have never won a tournament involving more than two teams.
They reached three Asia Cup finals, in 2012, 2016, and 2018, but lost them all.
The team reached the semi-finals of the 2017 Champions Trophy in England, only to lose against India at Edgbaston.
“They certainly deserved better as a group,” said Habibul Bashar, who led Bangladesh at the 2007 World Cup.
“Those players did something for Bangladesh cricket that had never happened in the past. They achieved a lot, definitely. “But it is a matter of regret that they could not win a big trophy yet.”
Ranked seventh in ODIs, and the team unsettled, their chances of breaking their duck at the World Cup in India are slim.
The furthest progress they have made at a previous edition was a quarter-final berth in 2015.
Veteran journalist and cricket commentator MM Kayser told AFP: “The kind of buildup we have seen, well, I cannot be too optimistic about Bangladesh’s chances this time.”
Shakib was only appointed as captain three months ahead of the World Cup and the build-up to the event was marred by a spat with Tamim who was branded “childish” by the new skipper.
Former Bangladesh opener Javed Omar, who played with Shakib, Mushfiqur and Mahmudullah in the early days of their careers, believes only a “miracle” can see them win the tournament.
“They are all good players, but we have already seen their limit in international cricket,” he said.
“To go to the next level like winning the World Cup maybe they need to play super extraordinary or produce a kind of miracle.”
Bangladesh start their World Cup campaign against Afghanistan in Dharamshala on October 7.
World Cup swansong for Bangladesh’s ‘fab three’
AFPSeptember 29, 2023
Photo: AFP
DHAKA: Three cricketers, considered the backbone of Bangladesh’s golden generation, are expected to make their swansong at the World Cup, after dragging their side up from whipping-boy status over 15 years.
When Shakib Al Hasan, Mushfiqur Rahim and Mahmudullah Riyad came onto the scene in the mid-2000s, Bangladesh were mostly embarrassing as a national side.
But over the years they shed the pushover tag, especially in one-day internationals – the format used in the World Cup starting in India next week.
Bangladesh had won only 40 of their 218 games – just over 18 percent – across all formats when Shakib, Mushfiqur and Mahmudullah, along with the retired Mashrafe Mortaza and the axed Tamim Iqbal, first played together in a Twenty20 international against Sri Lanka in Johannesburg in 2007.
Only a few of those victories had come against higher-ranked teams.
But over the next 15 years they won nearly 40 percent of their games, including at least five wins against each Test-playing country.
And the 3-0 Twenty20 series win against world champions England this year ticked another box – at least one series win against all Test-playing countries, in one format or another.
But the series victories were never capped with a trophy from a major competition.
Aside from a tri-series in Ireland, involving the hosts and the West Indies ahead of the 2019 World Cup, Bangladesh have never won a tournament involving more than two teams.
They reached three Asia Cup finals, in 2012, 2016, and 2018, but lost them all.
The team reached the semi-finals of the 2017 Champions Trophy in England, only to lose against India at Edgbaston.
“They certainly deserved better as a group,” said Habibul Bashar, who led Bangladesh at the 2007 World Cup.
“Those players did something for Bangladesh cricket that had never happened in the past. They achieved a lot, definitely. “But it is a matter of regret that they could not win a big trophy yet.”
Ranked seventh in ODIs, and the team unsettled, their chances of breaking their duck at the World Cup in India are slim.
The furthest progress they have made at a previous edition was a quarter-final berth in 2015.
Veteran journalist and cricket commentator MM Kayser told AFP: “The kind of buildup we have seen, well, I cannot be too optimistic about Bangladesh’s chances this time.”
Shakib was only appointed as captain three months ahead of the World Cup and the build-up to the event was marred by a spat with Tamim who was branded “childish” by the new skipper.
Former Bangladesh opener Javed Omar, who played with Shakib, Mushfiqur and Mahmudullah in the early days of their careers, believes only a “miracle” can see them win the tournament.
“They are all good players, but we have already seen their limit in international cricket,” he said.
“To go to the next level like winning the World Cup maybe they need to play super extraordinary or produce a kind of miracle.”
Bangladesh start their World Cup campaign against Afghanistan in Dharamshala on October 7.
Trailer23
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PCB Chairman Zaka Ashraf calls India 'Dushman Mulk' & all hell breaks out in the Indian Media.
B.C., dushman nahe tou kya 'Mashooqa' khain.
YouTube is filled with clips of Indian Media & Indian Politicians referring to Pakistan witch much worse. Its just our a-hole media is too busy covering domestic politics.
Either way, Zaka Ashraf did the right thing by calling a Spade - a Spade.
We've tried and exhausted all avenues by attempting to get along. Now they wanna keep playing that old record of 'End Terror' - they can just kiss our ***
Zaka Ashraf get a
.
B.C., dushman nahe tou kya 'Mashooqa' khain.
#
YouTube is filled with clips of Indian Media & Indian Politicians referring to Pakistan witch much worse. Its just our a-hole media is too busy covering domestic politics.
Either way, Zaka Ashraf did the right thing by calling a Spade - a Spade.
We've tried and exhausted all avenues by attempting to get along. Now they wanna keep playing that old record of 'End Terror' - they can just kiss our ***
Zaka Ashraf get a
ghazi52
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Andrew McGlashan
30-Sep-2023
World Cup pedigree:
Australia have a proud history in the ODI World Cup having won the title five times, including a hat-trick in 1999, 2003 and 2007. They were also triumphant on home soil in 2015 led by Michael Clarke but fell at the semi-final stage in 2019 where they were steamrolled by the England juggernaut. They have, however, had a world title since then when they somewhat unexpectedly claimed the 2021 T20 World Cup in the UAE. Regardless of how Australia lead into a global event, they usually find a way of being in the mix when it matters.
Recent form:
After looking promising, it has become indifferent. They started their September lead-in - which has arguably involved too many matches - by going 2-0 up in South Africa before the home side won three in a row to take the series. They were then comprehensively beaten in the first two matches against India before securing a consolation victory in Rajkot. The top order looks in pretty solid form, but there are question marks lower down and concerns over the death bowling.
Selection:
One late, and significant, change with Marnus Labuschagne, who wasn't in the one-day plans a month ago, replacing the injured Ashton Agar after the selectors opted to carry an injured Travis Head through the first part of the tournament. Head, who broke his hand in South Africa, is not expected to be available until the midway point of the group stage. It leaves Australia with just one specialist spinner in Adam Zampa and a lot resting on Glenn Maxwell.
Squad:
Pat Cummins (capt), David Warner, Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh, Steven Smith, Marnus Labuschagne, Alex Carey, Josh Inglis, Glenn Maxwell, Cameron Green, Marcus Stoinis, Sean Abbott, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, Adam Zampa
Mitchell Starc was atop wicket charts in the last two ODI World Cups; a treble in store?•BCCI
Key player:
Mitchell Starc has a wonderful World Cup record having been the leading wicket-taker in 2019 and sharing the tag with Trent Boult in 2015. Australia have been short of new-ball wickets in the lead-in, which has often left them exposed at the death. So Starc's ability to exploit the first few overs where the white ball might move could be vital. He will also be an important wicket-taking threat in the middle overs and an option at the death. However, he is coming off an injury having picked up a groin strain at the end of the Ashes, so has not had much game time leading into the tournament.
Rising star:
Overall, it's a very a senior squad so this has to go to Cameron Green even though he has been around the scene for a few years. It's been a difficult build-up for him after he suffered a concussion in South Africa, which ruled him out of three matches. He has struggled to find rhythm with the bat and was plundered for 103 off his 10 overs in Indore. Having opted for the IPL this year, where he went for mega bucks, he has only had a handful of nights at home since March. But there is little doubting his talent. Has anyone mentioned he has buckets for hands, too?
World Cup farewells?
With the T20 World Cup next June, the players from this squad who also feature in the 20-over side will make it to that event, but in terms of 50-over cricket, this tournament will mark a changing of the guard. David Warner will soon retire, and Steven Smith will be 38 by the next ODI World Cup, as will Maxwell. Starc will have called it a day, too, and probably Josh Hazlewood. Pat Cummins may not reach 2027, either. Mitchell Marsh is viewed as the next ODI captain but another four years could be a stretch.
Light on spin, heavy on confidence - Australia enter familiar territory
Regardless of how Australia lead into a global event, they usually find a way of being in the mix when it mattersAndrew McGlashan
30-Sep-2023
World Cup pedigree:
Australia have a proud history in the ODI World Cup having won the title five times, including a hat-trick in 1999, 2003 and 2007. They were also triumphant on home soil in 2015 led by Michael Clarke but fell at the semi-final stage in 2019 where they were steamrolled by the England juggernaut. They have, however, had a world title since then when they somewhat unexpectedly claimed the 2021 T20 World Cup in the UAE. Regardless of how Australia lead into a global event, they usually find a way of being in the mix when it matters.
Recent form:
After looking promising, it has become indifferent. They started their September lead-in - which has arguably involved too many matches - by going 2-0 up in South Africa before the home side won three in a row to take the series. They were then comprehensively beaten in the first two matches against India before securing a consolation victory in Rajkot. The top order looks in pretty solid form, but there are question marks lower down and concerns over the death bowling.
Selection:
One late, and significant, change with Marnus Labuschagne, who wasn't in the one-day plans a month ago, replacing the injured Ashton Agar after the selectors opted to carry an injured Travis Head through the first part of the tournament. Head, who broke his hand in South Africa, is not expected to be available until the midway point of the group stage. It leaves Australia with just one specialist spinner in Adam Zampa and a lot resting on Glenn Maxwell.
Squad:
Pat Cummins (capt), David Warner, Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh, Steven Smith, Marnus Labuschagne, Alex Carey, Josh Inglis, Glenn Maxwell, Cameron Green, Marcus Stoinis, Sean Abbott, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, Adam Zampa
Mitchell Starc was atop wicket charts in the last two ODI World Cups; a treble in store?•BCCI
Key player:
Mitchell Starc has a wonderful World Cup record having been the leading wicket-taker in 2019 and sharing the tag with Trent Boult in 2015. Australia have been short of new-ball wickets in the lead-in, which has often left them exposed at the death. So Starc's ability to exploit the first few overs where the white ball might move could be vital. He will also be an important wicket-taking threat in the middle overs and an option at the death. However, he is coming off an injury having picked up a groin strain at the end of the Ashes, so has not had much game time leading into the tournament.
Rising star:
Overall, it's a very a senior squad so this has to go to Cameron Green even though he has been around the scene for a few years. It's been a difficult build-up for him after he suffered a concussion in South Africa, which ruled him out of three matches. He has struggled to find rhythm with the bat and was plundered for 103 off his 10 overs in Indore. Having opted for the IPL this year, where he went for mega bucks, he has only had a handful of nights at home since March. But there is little doubting his talent. Has anyone mentioned he has buckets for hands, too?
World Cup farewells?
With the T20 World Cup next June, the players from this squad who also feature in the 20-over side will make it to that event, but in terms of 50-over cricket, this tournament will mark a changing of the guard. David Warner will soon retire, and Steven Smith will be 38 by the next ODI World Cup, as will Maxwell. Starc will have called it a day, too, and probably Josh Hazlewood. Pat Cummins may not reach 2027, either. Mitchell Marsh is viewed as the next ODI captain but another four years could be a stretch.
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Touchdown Hyderabad: Pakistan squad lands in India for World Cup
Abdul Ghaffar
September 27, 2023
The Pakistan cricket squad lands in Hyderabad, India on Wednesday for the ICC World Cup.
The Pakistan squad landed in India’s Hyderabad on Wednesday to participate in the ICC World Cup 2023.
The national team flew to India via Dubai and landed at the Rajiv Gandhi International Airport. A video shared by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) showed the squad exiting the plane.
AFP reported excited crowds, held back by officers, cheered and shouted the name of skipper Babar Azam.
The Press Trust of India said this is Pakistan’s first visit to the neighbouring country in seven years. The Green Shirts previously traveled to India in 2016 for the T20 world cup.
The Indian government had on Monday issued visas for the Pakistan squad after multiple delays. The development came after the PCB wrote a letter to the International Cricket Council expressing concerns over the visa issue.
The World Cup is scheduled to take place from Oct 5 to Nov 19 in India. Pakistan’s opening match in the tournament is set for Oct 6 against the Netherlands in Hyderabad, while the highly anticipated match against arch-rivals India will take place in Ahmedabad on Oct 14.
The national team will play two warm-up matches — against New Zealand on Sept 29 and Australia on Oct 3. Earlier, the team was scheduled to leave for Dubai on Sept 25 and stay there for two days.
The 15-member squad for the mega tournament was announced last week by Cricket Chief Selector Inzamamul Haq. It notably includes bowler Hasan Ali, and excludes star pacer Naseem Shah, who was injured in the Asia Cup.
Other notable exclusions are bowlers Faheem Ashraf, who was part of the Asia Cup squad, and Mohammad Hasnain.
Squad:
Babar Azam (captain), Shadab Khan (vice-captain), Abdullah Shafique, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Iftikhar Ahmed, Imamul Haq, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Rizwan, (wicketkeeper) Mohammad Wasim, Agha Salman, Saud Shakeel, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Usama Mir
Reserve Squad:
Mohammad Haris, Abrar Ahmed, Zaman Khan
Ghazi52 Sab you appear fully geed up and excited. It is nice and pleasing to see excitement induced by sports and I hope it lives up to our expectations.
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Sidharth Monga
29-Sep-2023
Virat Kohli and R Ashwin are the only two in the current squad from India's victorious 2011 campaign • AFP via Getty Images
World Cup pedigree:
India are the second-best World Cup team after Australia. Apart from winning it in 1983 and 2011, they have been losing finalists in 2003 and losing semi-finalists in 1987, 1996, 2015 and 2019. Ever since their early departure from the 2007 edition, India have entered every World Cup as one of the favourites, if not strong contenders.
Recent form:
In mid-to-long term, India's build-up to the World Cup was full of anxiety. Rishabh Pant, Jasprit Bumrah, KL Rahul, Shreyas Iyer and Prasidh Krishna, five key players that India had invested in, were on the shelf. As the tournament approached, though, Bumrah, Rahul and Iyer made not just complete recoveries but also immediate returns to form. Kuldeep Yadav's reinvigorated left-arm wristspin remains a point of difference.
Consequently, India enter the tournament with the momentum of having won the Asia Cup and the bilateral series against Australia. They are now strong favourites especially with other teams now beginning to encounter poor luck with injuries. There remain two drawbacks: their batting is right-hand heavy and their tail is long, which necessitates playing a lesser bowler at No. 8 for the freedom that provides the top seven.
Selection:
Once the players were fit and available, 12 of them chose themselves. For the back-up fast bowler, India went for the experienced Mohammed Shami ahead of Prasidh because in the current combination they need a bowler who will also make use of the new ball. Prasidh's speciality remains providing the point of difference in the middle overs. The selectors and the team management have opted for the extra batter in Suryakumar Yadav purely on promise even though his List A record is not as good as his T20 exploits.
The final slot of the spinner who could bat originally went to Axar Patel because he also provided a left-hand batter who could be promoted up the order to counter match-ups, but a late injury opened the door for the return of R Ashwin, who, apart from Virat Kohli, is the only former World Cup winner in the squad.
2:20
Squad:
Rohit Sharma (capt), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (wk), Hardik Pandya (vice-capt), Ravindra Jadeja, Shardul Thakur, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj, Ishan Kishan (wk), Suryakumar Yadav, Mohammed Shami, R Ashwin
Key player:
Of all the injured players, India were most desperate to get Bumrah back on the park. When they lost him on the eve of the T20 World Cup last year, they received confirmation that Bumrah is not replaceable. Capable of taking wickets in every phase of the game, he is also India's big hope at the death, which can be their weakness at times. Hearteningly for them, Bumrah showed no ring rust on return, and even seemed to have added a late and more consistent outswinger to his armoury.
Rising star:
A bit of a misnomer because Shubman Gill has already risen. ODIs happen to be his best format: he has already scored six centuries in 35 innings, including a double. Five of the centuries have come this year. He opens the innings and can bat through, which gives him the best chance to score runs by the bucketful. He is many people's bet to be the top scorer in this World Cup.
World Cup farewells?
Ashwin has somehow found his way back into two World Cups in the last two years, but he will definitely not be playing the one in 2027. That out of the way, it is doubtful if their two biggest batters of this era, Kohli and Rohit Sharma, will be around in four years' time. Shami will be past 37 when the next World Cup rolls in, and it is getting increasingly difficult for Ravindra Jadeja to stay fit for all formats. Rahul has had his share of struggle with injuries, but he will be only 35 at the time of the next World Cup.
Right-hand batting heavy India strong favourites yet again
With the momentum of Asia Cup title and series win against Australia, India would want to go all the way at homeSidharth Monga
29-Sep-2023
Virat Kohli and R Ashwin are the only two in the current squad from India's victorious 2011 campaign • AFP via Getty Images
World Cup pedigree:
India are the second-best World Cup team after Australia. Apart from winning it in 1983 and 2011, they have been losing finalists in 2003 and losing semi-finalists in 1987, 1996, 2015 and 2019. Ever since their early departure from the 2007 edition, India have entered every World Cup as one of the favourites, if not strong contenders.
Recent form:
In mid-to-long term, India's build-up to the World Cup was full of anxiety. Rishabh Pant, Jasprit Bumrah, KL Rahul, Shreyas Iyer and Prasidh Krishna, five key players that India had invested in, were on the shelf. As the tournament approached, though, Bumrah, Rahul and Iyer made not just complete recoveries but also immediate returns to form. Kuldeep Yadav's reinvigorated left-arm wristspin remains a point of difference.
Consequently, India enter the tournament with the momentum of having won the Asia Cup and the bilateral series against Australia. They are now strong favourites especially with other teams now beginning to encounter poor luck with injuries. There remain two drawbacks: their batting is right-hand heavy and their tail is long, which necessitates playing a lesser bowler at No. 8 for the freedom that provides the top seven.
Selection:
Once the players were fit and available, 12 of them chose themselves. For the back-up fast bowler, India went for the experienced Mohammed Shami ahead of Prasidh because in the current combination they need a bowler who will also make use of the new ball. Prasidh's speciality remains providing the point of difference in the middle overs. The selectors and the team management have opted for the extra batter in Suryakumar Yadav purely on promise even though his List A record is not as good as his T20 exploits.
The final slot of the spinner who could bat originally went to Axar Patel because he also provided a left-hand batter who could be promoted up the order to counter match-ups, but a late injury opened the door for the return of R Ashwin, who, apart from Virat Kohli, is the only former World Cup winner in the squad.
2:20
Squad:
Rohit Sharma (capt), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (wk), Hardik Pandya (vice-capt), Ravindra Jadeja, Shardul Thakur, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj, Ishan Kishan (wk), Suryakumar Yadav, Mohammed Shami, R Ashwin
Key player:
Of all the injured players, India were most desperate to get Bumrah back on the park. When they lost him on the eve of the T20 World Cup last year, they received confirmation that Bumrah is not replaceable. Capable of taking wickets in every phase of the game, he is also India's big hope at the death, which can be their weakness at times. Hearteningly for them, Bumrah showed no ring rust on return, and even seemed to have added a late and more consistent outswinger to his armoury.
Rising star:
A bit of a misnomer because Shubman Gill has already risen. ODIs happen to be his best format: he has already scored six centuries in 35 innings, including a double. Five of the centuries have come this year. He opens the innings and can bat through, which gives him the best chance to score runs by the bucketful. He is many people's bet to be the top scorer in this World Cup.
World Cup farewells?
Ashwin has somehow found his way back into two World Cups in the last two years, but he will definitely not be playing the one in 2027. That out of the way, it is doubtful if their two biggest batters of this era, Kohli and Rohit Sharma, will be around in four years' time. Shami will be past 37 when the next World Cup rolls in, and it is getting increasingly difficult for Ravindra Jadeja to stay fit for all formats. Rahul has had his share of struggle with injuries, but he will be only 35 at the time of the next World Cup.
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30 September, 2023
PHOTO: AFP
In the first warm-up match against New Zealand of ICC World Cup 2023, Pakistan showed promise but identified key areas for improvement as they prepare for the upcoming tournament.
After choosing to bat first, Pakistan encountered an early stumble, losing two wickets, but made a comeback with strong partnerships, notably led by skipper Babar Azam and wicket-keeper batter Mohammad Rizwan.
Babar and Rizwan showed their skill and composure, forming a partnership of 114 runs for the third wicket. Rizwan, in particular, displayed fluent play against spin, crafting well-executed shots over extra-cover. He impressively pressed on to achieve a century before retiring out at 103 runs off 94 balls.
Reflecting on the warm-up match, Rizwan emphasized the purpose of these matches is to identify areas for improvement and experiment with different strategies. He acknowledged the need to test the bench and give opportunities to various players. Despite New Zealand chasing a target of 346, Rizwan pointed out positive aspects, including notable performances in both bowling and batting.
"The aim of warm-up matches is to see the areas where we need improvement. In this match we also experimented, we tried different things. We got good things in returns but also we got some areas which requires improvement," Rizwan said.
"You have to play 15 players, you have to test the bench too; you also have to do some experiments. Thats' right, they [New Zealand] chased 346 but if you see it the other way round, Shaheen's ten overs, Haris Rauf's six overs, similarly Shadab's and Iftikhar's overs, so that was a change from our side. But we have got good returns too like Hassan's bowling, good innings from our batters," he further added.
However, Rizwan emphasized the need for improvement in the fielding department, recognizing that fielding lapses cost them in the match due to positioning. Looking forward, the team aims to work on this aspect and elevate their fielding standards.
"That's true we need to improve in our fielding department. We have been doing good in fielding over the course of time but fielding I think costed us the match too because the positions were different. However we need to work on it," Rizwan said.
With the tournament approaching, Rizwan mentioned being aware of the favorable batting pitches in India and expressed confidence in their ability to read and adapt to the conditions.
"We had an idea that India has favourable batting pitches. We had in our minds that we'll read the conditions properly first. As far as my innings is concerned , any century irrespective of where it has been scored, it always matters and provides satisfaction and confidence for upcoming matches," he further added.
Rizwan concluded by expressing the emotional pride of representing Pakistan and pledged to strive to meet the expectations of their country, promising a strong performance in the upcoming matches.
"Its always emotional and a moment of proud when playing for your country. We will try to fulfil everyone's expectations back in Pakistan," Rizwan concluded.
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Mohammad Rizwan reviews the first warm-up game
In the first warm-up match against New Zealand of ICC World Cup 2023, Pakistan showed promise but identified key areas for improvement as they prepare for the upcoming tournamentNews Desk
30 September, 2023
In the first warm-up match against New Zealand of ICC World Cup 2023, Pakistan showed promise but identified key areas for improvement as they prepare for the upcoming tournament.
After choosing to bat first, Pakistan encountered an early stumble, losing two wickets, but made a comeback with strong partnerships, notably led by skipper Babar Azam and wicket-keeper batter Mohammad Rizwan.
Babar and Rizwan showed their skill and composure, forming a partnership of 114 runs for the third wicket. Rizwan, in particular, displayed fluent play against spin, crafting well-executed shots over extra-cover. He impressively pressed on to achieve a century before retiring out at 103 runs off 94 balls.
Reflecting on the warm-up match, Rizwan emphasized the purpose of these matches is to identify areas for improvement and experiment with different strategies. He acknowledged the need to test the bench and give opportunities to various players. Despite New Zealand chasing a target of 346, Rizwan pointed out positive aspects, including notable performances in both bowling and batting.
"The aim of warm-up matches is to see the areas where we need improvement. In this match we also experimented, we tried different things. We got good things in returns but also we got some areas which requires improvement," Rizwan said.
"You have to play 15 players, you have to test the bench too; you also have to do some experiments. Thats' right, they [New Zealand] chased 346 but if you see it the other way round, Shaheen's ten overs, Haris Rauf's six overs, similarly Shadab's and Iftikhar's overs, so that was a change from our side. But we have got good returns too like Hassan's bowling, good innings from our batters," he further added.
However, Rizwan emphasized the need for improvement in the fielding department, recognizing that fielding lapses cost them in the match due to positioning. Looking forward, the team aims to work on this aspect and elevate their fielding standards.
"That's true we need to improve in our fielding department. We have been doing good in fielding over the course of time but fielding I think costed us the match too because the positions were different. However we need to work on it," Rizwan said.
With the tournament approaching, Rizwan mentioned being aware of the favorable batting pitches in India and expressed confidence in their ability to read and adapt to the conditions.
"We had an idea that India has favourable batting pitches. We had in our minds that we'll read the conditions properly first. As far as my innings is concerned , any century irrespective of where it has been scored, it always matters and provides satisfaction and confidence for upcoming matches," he further added.
Rizwan concluded by expressing the emotional pride of representing Pakistan and pledged to strive to meet the expectations of their country, promising a strong performance in the upcoming matches.
"Its always emotional and a moment of proud when playing for your country. We will try to fulfil everyone's expectations back in Pakistan," Rizwan concluded.
Share Now
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After two forgettable World Cups, Afghanistan are hoping for better returns in India •
World Cup pedigree
Afghanistan have played only two ODI World Cups so far. In 2015, they lost five out of six games, their only win coming against Scotland. The 2019 edition was even more forgettable with nine losses in as many matches. This time, though, they are expected to fare much better with the pitches in India likely to suit their spinners.
Recent form
Not many teams have been able to beat Bangladesh in Bangladesh in the recent past. Afghanistan did that in July, winning the three-match ODI series 2-1. Since then, however, they suffered five successive defeats. They challenged Pakistan in all three matches in Sri Lanka but couldn't find that killer instinct and were whitewashed. Then, their Asia Cup campaign ended prematurely after an embarrassing net run rate miscalculation against Sri Lanka.
Selection
The squad once again is spin-heavy with Rashid Khan, Mohammad Nabi and Mujeeb Ur Rahman likely to feature in the playing XI, and Noor Ahmad on the bench. To strengthen their seam attack, they called up Naveen-ul-Haq, who last played an ODI in January 2021.
Squad
Hashmatullah Shahidi (capt), Ibrahim Zadran, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Rahmat Shah, Riaz Hassan, Najibullah Zadran, Mohammad Nabi, Ikram Alikhil, Azmatullah Omarzai, Rashid Khan
, Abdul Rahman, Noor Ahmad, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Naveen-ul-Haq
Rashid Khan will have to step up if Afghanistan are to challenge other sides•Associated Press
Key players
Irrespective of what side he is playing for, Rashid Khan is always a key player. But if Afghanistan are to improve their World Cup performance, they need Rashid to step up his game. His overall ODI record (172 wickets at an average of 19.53) is exceptional, but his numbers against Full Members who will be participating in this World Cup (41 wickets at 28.80) are ordinary. The good news is that with Hashmatullah Shahidi leading the side, Rashid can focus on his bowling.
Batting has been Afghanistan's weaker suit for many years but in Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran, they now have an opening pair that can not only give them quick starts but also big totals. They recently added 227 against a full-strength Pakistan attack, and have six centuries between them in the 18 ODIs they have played together.
Rising star
Fazalhaq Farooqi has played only 21 ODIs, but thanks to the IPL, PSL and Abu Dhabi T10, the left-arm seamer has already gone up against some of the biggest hitters in world cricket. Farooqi can swing the new ball, bowl yorkers and also possesses a slower one. If he can provide early breakthroughs, it will make the spinners' job a lot easier.
World Cup farewell
It's a young squad apart from one man who has been ever-present: Mohammad Nabi. Afghanistan have played 152 ODIs; Nabi 147. He was the Player of the Match when Afghanistan played their first ODI, in 2009. Now 38, Nabi, in all likelihood, is playing his last ODI World Cup. At the other end of the spectrum is Naveen-ul-Haq. The T20 globetrotter just turned 24, and has played only seven ODIs, but he has already announced that he will retire from ODIs at the end of this World Cup.
After two forgettable World Cups, Afghanistan are hoping for better returns in India •
World Cup pedigree
Afghanistan have played only two ODI World Cups so far. In 2015, they lost five out of six games, their only win coming against Scotland. The 2019 edition was even more forgettable with nine losses in as many matches. This time, though, they are expected to fare much better with the pitches in India likely to suit their spinners.
Recent form
Not many teams have been able to beat Bangladesh in Bangladesh in the recent past. Afghanistan did that in July, winning the three-match ODI series 2-1. Since then, however, they suffered five successive defeats. They challenged Pakistan in all three matches in Sri Lanka but couldn't find that killer instinct and were whitewashed. Then, their Asia Cup campaign ended prematurely after an embarrassing net run rate miscalculation against Sri Lanka.
Selection
The squad once again is spin-heavy with Rashid Khan, Mohammad Nabi and Mujeeb Ur Rahman likely to feature in the playing XI, and Noor Ahmad on the bench. To strengthen their seam attack, they called up Naveen-ul-Haq, who last played an ODI in January 2021.
Squad
Hashmatullah Shahidi (capt), Ibrahim Zadran, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Rahmat Shah, Riaz Hassan, Najibullah Zadran, Mohammad Nabi, Ikram Alikhil, Azmatullah Omarzai, Rashid Khan
, Abdul Rahman, Noor Ahmad, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Naveen-ul-Haq
Rashid Khan will have to step up if Afghanistan are to challenge other sides•Associated Press
Key players
Irrespective of what side he is playing for, Rashid Khan is always a key player. But if Afghanistan are to improve their World Cup performance, they need Rashid to step up his game. His overall ODI record (172 wickets at an average of 19.53) is exceptional, but his numbers against Full Members who will be participating in this World Cup (41 wickets at 28.80) are ordinary. The good news is that with Hashmatullah Shahidi leading the side, Rashid can focus on his bowling.
Batting has been Afghanistan's weaker suit for many years but in Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran, they now have an opening pair that can not only give them quick starts but also big totals. They recently added 227 against a full-strength Pakistan attack, and have six centuries between them in the 18 ODIs they have played together.
Rising star
Fazalhaq Farooqi has played only 21 ODIs, but thanks to the IPL, PSL and Abu Dhabi T10, the left-arm seamer has already gone up against some of the biggest hitters in world cricket. Farooqi can swing the new ball, bowl yorkers and also possesses a slower one. If he can provide early breakthroughs, it will make the spinners' job a lot easier.
World Cup farewell
It's a young squad apart from one man who has been ever-present: Mohammad Nabi. Afghanistan have played 152 ODIs; Nabi 147. He was the Player of the Match when Afghanistan played their first ODI, in 2009. Now 38, Nabi, in all likelihood, is playing his last ODI World Cup. At the other end of the spectrum is Naveen-ul-Haq. The T20 globetrotter just turned 24, and has played only seven ODIs, but he has already announced that he will retire from ODIs at the end of this World Cup.
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Andrew Fidel Fernando
30-Sep-2023
Dasun Shanaka's captaincy will face a stern test at the World Cup
World Cup pedigree:
Champions in 1996, semi-finalists in 2003, finalists in 2007 and 2011 - Sri Lanka went through a fantastic stretch in World Cups for these 15 years, but are their best days past them? In 2015, they crashed out in the first knockout (quarter-final), and in 2019, they missed out on the semi-final. They are again expected to be a middling side in 2023.
Recent form:
Yes, there was that catastrophic collapse in the Asia Cup final, but they had, nevertheless, played some decent cricket to get there, beating Bangladesh twice, and overcoming Pakistan in a thriller.
Largely, their recent successes are built on their attack. Matheesha Pathirana's middle and death-overs bowling has been a vital new addition to the side. In Dilshan Madushanka, they have a left-armer who can swing the new ball at pace.
The only side to have defeated them in their last 15 ODI outings are India, but this is less impressive than it sounds. Sri Lanka had to play the Qualifier to get into this World Cup, and many of their recent oppositions are weaker sides who did not make this World Cup.
Squad:
Dasun Shanaka (capt), Kusal Mendis (vice-capt), Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Perera (wk), Dimuth Karunaratne, Charith Asalanka, Dhananjaya de Silva, Sadeera Samarawickrama (wk), Dushan Hemantha, Maheesh Theekshana, Dunith Wellalage, Kasun Rajitha, Dilshan Madushanka, Matheesha Pathirana, Lahiru Kumara
Can Dasun Shanaka emerge from a wretched run of form?•AFP/Getty Images
Key player:
Captain Dasun Shanaka has had about as miserable a run of form with the bat as any player coming into the World Cup. Since the start of the Qualifier, he averages 6.60 with a strike rate of 57.39. This is in his role as a lower-middle order finisher. With Wanindu Hasaranga ruled out of the tournament with injury, Sri Lanka desperately need Shanaka to begin playing big innings, even as he contributes with the ball, in order to give their XI some semblance of balance. Shanaka has never been much of an ODI batter, but he has played some excellent innings in India. This is a make-or-break tournament for his captaincy.
Rising star:
Since 2021, no batter has made as many runs at No. 5 as Charith Asalanka - an especially impressive stat when you consider the now 26-year-old only made his debut halfway through that year. Capable of finding boundaries early in his innings (especially through the leg side), adept at picking gaps, and blessed with a calm disposition, Asalanka having a good World Cup will go a long way to Sri Lanka putting up decent scores. On the drier tracks, his offbreaks could also be handy.
World Cup farewells:
It seems unlikely that Kusal Perera (33), and Dimuth Karunaratne (35), will still be around for the 2027 tournament - the former largely because his injuries have piled up terribly. Otherwise, the remainder of the squad are in their early thirties or younger. They would still have to be performing in four years, of course.
Andrew Fidel Fernando
30-Sep-2023
Dasun Shanaka's captaincy will face a stern test at the World Cup
World Cup pedigree:
Champions in 1996, semi-finalists in 2003, finalists in 2007 and 2011 - Sri Lanka went through a fantastic stretch in World Cups for these 15 years, but are their best days past them? In 2015, they crashed out in the first knockout (quarter-final), and in 2019, they missed out on the semi-final. They are again expected to be a middling side in 2023.
Recent form:
Yes, there was that catastrophic collapse in the Asia Cup final, but they had, nevertheless, played some decent cricket to get there, beating Bangladesh twice, and overcoming Pakistan in a thriller.
Largely, their recent successes are built on their attack. Matheesha Pathirana's middle and death-overs bowling has been a vital new addition to the side. In Dilshan Madushanka, they have a left-armer who can swing the new ball at pace.
The only side to have defeated them in their last 15 ODI outings are India, but this is less impressive than it sounds. Sri Lanka had to play the Qualifier to get into this World Cup, and many of their recent oppositions are weaker sides who did not make this World Cup.
Squad:
Dasun Shanaka (capt), Kusal Mendis (vice-capt), Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Perera (wk), Dimuth Karunaratne, Charith Asalanka, Dhananjaya de Silva, Sadeera Samarawickrama (wk), Dushan Hemantha, Maheesh Theekshana, Dunith Wellalage, Kasun Rajitha, Dilshan Madushanka, Matheesha Pathirana, Lahiru Kumara
Can Dasun Shanaka emerge from a wretched run of form?•AFP/Getty Images
Key player:
Captain Dasun Shanaka has had about as miserable a run of form with the bat as any player coming into the World Cup. Since the start of the Qualifier, he averages 6.60 with a strike rate of 57.39. This is in his role as a lower-middle order finisher. With Wanindu Hasaranga ruled out of the tournament with injury, Sri Lanka desperately need Shanaka to begin playing big innings, even as he contributes with the ball, in order to give their XI some semblance of balance. Shanaka has never been much of an ODI batter, but he has played some excellent innings in India. This is a make-or-break tournament for his captaincy.
Rising star:
Since 2021, no batter has made as many runs at No. 5 as Charith Asalanka - an especially impressive stat when you consider the now 26-year-old only made his debut halfway through that year. Capable of finding boundaries early in his innings (especially through the leg side), adept at picking gaps, and blessed with a calm disposition, Asalanka having a good World Cup will go a long way to Sri Lanka putting up decent scores. On the drier tracks, his offbreaks could also be handy.
World Cup farewells:
It seems unlikely that Kusal Perera (33), and Dimuth Karunaratne (35), will still be around for the 2027 tournament - the former largely because his injuries have piled up terribly. Otherwise, the remainder of the squad are in their early thirties or younger. They would still have to be performing in four years, of course.
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