ODI World Cup 2023 - crickfanatics.com

Top Run-Scorers in ICC Cricket World Cup History

19 November 2023 by Amān Daudzai

Cricket aficionados worldwide eagerly await the grand spectacle of One Day Internationals (ODIs) known as the ICC Cricket World Cup. This premier tournament gathers the best teams globally to engage in a fierce competition, providing a stage for players to showcase their talents and skills on a world platform.

The ICC Cricket World Cup, held every four years, captivates millions of cricket enthusiasts globally. The participation of the top 10 teams in the world intensifies the competition, resulting in weeks of challenging and high-stakes matches. While cricket is fundamentally a team sport, individual performances significantly influence the game’s outcome, shaping the fortunes of the competing teams.

Beyond the coveted silver-and-gold trophy, the ICC awards the Golden Bat to the player who amasses the most runs throughout the tournament. In the twelve editions of the World Cup held to date, Sachin Tendulkar from India stands tall as the highest run-scorer. The legendary Indian batsman, who graced the tournament from 1992 to 2011, played 45 matches and achieved a remarkable record of 2278 runs at an average of 56.95. This feat gains even more admiration when considering the magnitude of the matches, where playing against the best in the world is akin to a relentless challenge.

Sachin Tendulkar, revered not only for his overall run tally but also for sharing the record for the most centuries in the tournament’s history with Rohit Sharma, has left an indelible mark on the ICC Cricket World Cup.

Also Read: ODI World Cup Player of the Tournament Awardees (1992-2023)

Looking ahead, the upcoming ICC World Cup in 2023 is slated to be hosted by India, scheduled for October-November. With approximately three months left for the tournament, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is yet to unveil the schedule. Reports indicate that the ICC will host an event in Mumbai on June 27, fueling anticipation that the much-awaited schedule might be disclosed during this occasion. As cricket enthusiasts gear up for another thrilling edition, the legacy of top run-scorers in the ICC Cricket World Cup continues to be etched in the annals of the sport’s history.

List of Top Run-Scorers in ICC Cricket World Cup History:

Statistics as of November 2023

Player	Years	Matches	Innings	Not Outs	Runs	Highest Score	Average	Strike Rate	100s	50s	Ducks
Sachin Tendulkar	1992-2012	45	44	4	2278	152	56.95	88.98	6	15	2
Ricky Ponting	1996-2011	46	42	4	1743	140*	45.86	79.95	5	6	1
Virat Kohli	2011-2023	36	36	7	1741	117	60.03	88.28	5	11	1
Kumar Sangakkara	2003-2015	37	35	8	1532	124	56.74	86.55	5	7	1
Rohit Sharma	2015-2023	27	27	2	1528	140	61.12	104.51	7	6	2
David Warner	2015-2023	28	28	2	1520	178	58.46	101.19	6	5	0
Shakib Al Hasan	2007-2023	36	36	4	1332	124*	41.62	82.27	2	11	1
Brian Lara	1992-2007	34	33	4	1225	116	42.24	86.26	2	7	1
AB de Villiers	2007-2015	23	22	3	1207	162*	63.52	117.29	4	6	4
Chris Gayle	2003-2019	35	34	1	1186	215	35.93	90.53	2	6	2
Sanath Jayasuriya	1992-2007	38	37	3	1165	120	34.26	90.66	3	6	0
Jacques Kallis	1996-2011	36	32	7	1148	128*	45.92	74.4	1	9	2

Note: Statistics include total runs, highest score, average, strike rate, centuries (100s), half-centuries (50s), and ducks.

ODI World Cup Player of the Tournament Awardees (1992-2023)

19 November 202319 November 2023 by Amān Daudzai

In the illustrious history of the ICC Cricket World Cup, spanning 48 years of gripping cricketing narratives, the introduction of the Player of the Tournament award in 1992 added an extra layer of recognition to stellar individual performances.

Cricket aficionados have witnessed legendary players elevate their game to extraordinary heights, becoming pivotal figures in steering their teams towards the coveted World Cup trophy. Achieving this pinnacle requires individuals with nerves of steel, capable of altering the course of a match even in the most precarious situations.

Over the past 12 editions of the ODI World Cup, numerous players have etched their names in history with exceptional performances, each contributing to the collective journey of their respective teams. Since its inception in 1992, the ‘Player of the Tournament’ award has been a symbol of acknowledgment for these remarkable contributions.

The inaugural Player of the Tournament award in World Cup history was bestowed upon the legendary New Zealand captain, Martin Crowe, who amassed 456 runs in nine innings during the 1992 edition. Sanath Jayasuriya claimed the honor in 1996, showcasing his prowess with both bat and ball, scoring 221 runs and taking seven wickets.

In 1999, Lance Klusener left an indelible mark, clinching the prestigious award for his remarkable performance—scoring 281 runs and scalping 17 wickets. The 2003 edition witnessed Sachin Tendulkar’s brilliance as he emerged as the top run-scorer with an unparalleled 673 runs, despite India’s heartbreaking loss to Australia in the final.

Also Read: Top Run-Scorers in ICC Cricket World Cup History

Glenn McGrath bid adieu to his international career in 2007 by clinching the Player of the Tournament title, amassing a record 26 wickets. Yuvraj Singh’s stellar all-round display defined the 2011 edition, where he scored 362 runs and claimed 15 wickets, etching his name in World Cup history.

In 2015, Mitchell Starc’s exceptional bowling guided Australia to their fifth title, earning him the Player of the Tournament with 22 wickets. Kane Williamson showcased his batting prowess and exceptional captaincy in 2019, amassing 578 runs and securing the award.

As we eagerly anticipate the 2023 edition, which promises another chapter of cricketing brilliance, the list of Player of the Tournament winners stands as a testament to the individual brilliance that has illuminated the grand stage of the ODI World Cup.

Check out the List of Player of the Tournament winners (1992-2023):

World Cup Edition	Player Of The Tournament Winner
1992	Martin Crowe (456 runs, 9 innings)
1996	Sanath Jayasuriya (221 runs, 7 wickets)
1999	Lance Klusener (281 runs, 17 wickets)
2003	Sachin Tendulkar (673 runs, 11 innings)
2007	Glenn McGrath (26 wickets, 11 matches)
2011	Yuvraj Singh (362 runs, 15 wickets, 9 matches)
2015	Mitchell Starc (22 wickets, 8 matches)
2019	Kane Williamson (578 runs, 11 matches)
2023	TBA

ICC Suspends Sri Lanka Cricket’s Membership: Immediate Impact Due to ‘Government Interference’

11 November 2023 by Amān Daudzai

In a significant move, the International Cricket Council (ICC) Board has announced the suspension of Sri Lanka Cricket’s membership, effective immediately. The global governing body, in a concise press release, highlighted the gravity of the situation, citing serious breaches by Sri Lanka Cricket in fulfilling its obligations as an ICC Member.

The specific breach pointed out by the ICC relates to Sri Lanka Cricket‘s failure to manage its affairs autonomously, particularly in ensuring the absence of government interference in the governance, regulation, and administration of cricket within the country.

The conditions and ramifications of this suspension are yet to be determined, with the ICC Board set to make decisions on this matter in due course.

This development unfolds against the backdrop of a tumultuous World Cup campaign by the Sri Lankan cricket team, currently positioned at ninth in the 10-team standings after securing only two victories in nine matches.

Sri Lankan cricket has been embroiled in internal strife, exacerbated by the team’s performance. Earlier in the week, Sri Lankan Sports Minister Roshan Ranasinghe dismissed the Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) management, appointing former World Cup-winning captain Arjuna Ranatunga to lead a seven-member interim committee to govern the cricket board. However, this decision faced opposition and was subsequently overturned by the Court of Appeal.

Further complicating matters, the Sri Lankan parliament unanimously passed a resolution demanding the dismissal of SLC, drawing support from various political factions. This resolution, originating from the Sri Lankan parliament, appears to have triggered the ICC’s response.

It’s noteworthy that the ICC had previously suspended a full member two years ago when Zimbabwe Cricket faced suspension due to government interference.

The ramifications of Sri Lanka Cricket’s suspension from ICC membership raise questions about the future trajectory of cricket administration in the country and the potential impacts on international cricket engagements involving Sri Lanka. As the cricket world awaits further developments, this suspension marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing dynamics between cricket boards and government influences.

Angelo Mathews Becomes First Cricketer ‘Timed Out’ in International Cricket History

8 November 20237 November 2023 by Amān Daudzai

In a rather peculiar turn of events, Sri Lankan cricketer Angelo Mathews etched his name in the annals of cricket history by becoming the first player to be declared ‘timed out’ in international cricket. This unprecedented incident unfolded during the Bangladesh-Sri Lanka ODI World Cup match at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi.

The curious episode took place in the 25th over of the innings, immediately following the dismissal of Lankan batter Sadeera Samarawickrama. Angelo Mathews was slated to be the next man in, yet he encountered a unique issue with the strap of his helmet, leading to a delayed response in assuming his batting position.

Faced with the helmet dilemma, the former Sri Lankan captain took over three minutes to rectify the situation and be prepared to face the upcoming delivery. It was during this unanticipated delay that Bangladesh skipper Shakib Al Hasan seized the moment and lodged an appeal, a move subsequently validated by the on-field umpire.

The ruling, based on MCC law 40.1 concerning ‘Timed Out,’ stipulates that a batter must be ready to receive the next ball within three minutes of a player’s dismissal or retirement. Angelo Mathews, despite the substitute’s attempt to provide him with the correct helmet, was ultimately declared out.

HISTORY IN DELHI….!!!

Angelo Mathews becomes the first cricketer in history to be out on 'timed out'. pic.twitter.com/VRg1xmSTDf
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) November 6, 2023

In the aftermath of this extraordinary turn of events, Angelo Mathews engaged in an animated discussion with the umpire and sought to convey his side of the story to Shakib Al Hasan. Nevertheless, his efforts proved in vain, resulting in the historic ‘timed out’ dismissal, an incident that will surely resonate in the memory of cricket enthusiasts worldwide.

ICC Cricket World Cup 2023: India Cruises Past England with 100-Run Victory, Extending Winning Streak to Six Games

30 October 2023 by Amān Daudzai

In a resounding performance, the Indian cricket team maintained their dominant run in the ongoing edition of the World Cup, securing a convincing 100-run victory over England in Lucknow on a memorable Sunday.

This emphatic triumph owed much to the exceptional leadership of skipper Rohit Sharma, whose stellar innings of 87 runs from 101 balls shone brightly amidst a challenging two-paced pitch. While most Indian batters struggled to find their rhythm, Sharma’s innings anchored the team’s innings.

Suryakumar Yadav contributed a crucial 49 runs in the death overs, propelling India to a total of 229 for nine. However, it was the relentless duo of Mohammed Shami (4/22) and Jasprit Bumrah (3/32) who took center stage with the ball. Their superb performance left England floundering, as they managed a mere 129 runs before being bowled out in 34.5 overs. This defeat marked England’s fifth loss in six games and has all but dashed their hopes of making it to the semifinals.

In contrast, India, the only undefeated team in the tournament, now stands on the cusp of securing a spot in the semifinals. To defend their below-par total, India knew they needed early wickets to apply pressure on England’s struggling batting lineup.

Bumrah and Shami emerged as the catalysts of England’s downfall, reducing them to 39 for four within the first ten overs. Both bowlers consistently teased the batsmen with their Test match-length deliveries, and the English batters often found themselves playing and missing.

Bumrah, in particular, achieved a notable feat by dismissing Dawid Malan (16) and Joe Root (0) off successive deliveries, narrowly missing out on a hat-trick. Shami, too, made a double strike by clean-bowling Jonny Bairstow (14) and sending Ben Stokes (0) back to the pavilion. Stokes, attempting an aggressive shot, found himself in an awkward position and saw his stumps shattered.

Bumrah and Shami’s first spell statistics painted an imposing picture, with Bumrah recording 5-1-17-2 and Shami notching 4-0-5-2. Kuldeep Yadav joined the party by dismissing skipper Jos Buttler (10) with a mesmerizing delivery that turned sharply to crash into the stumps. Shami returned to the attack to claim his third wicket, sending Moeen Ali (15) back to the pavilion.

With the scoreboard reading 81 for six, England found themselves in an insurmountable predicament. Despite the presence of dew on the field in the evening, the Indian bowlers managed to maintain their effectiveness.

In the earlier stages of the game, India had the opportunity to bat first, a departure from their previous matches. However, Rohit Sharma and Suryakumar Yadav were the standout performers, adjusting to the challenging pitch’s two-paced nature. While other Indian batsmen struggled to force the pace, the 91-run partnership between Rohit and K L Rahul (39 off 58) provided stability after a rocky start.

Rohit also added a valuable 33 runs alongside Suryakumar Yadav. However, his dismissal led to a flurry of wickets, but India’s formidable performance with the ball ensured a comfortable victory in the end.

Virat Kohli Bowls in World Cup 2023 After 8 Years, Completes Injured Hardik Pandya’s Over

19 October 2023 by Amān Daudzai

In a rare and unexpected twist, Indian cricket fans were treated to a remarkable sight during the India vs. Bangladesh World Cup 2023 match. The iconic Virat Kohli, renowned for his formidable batting prowess, took on an unaccustomed role as a bowler, marking his return to the bowling crease in a World Cup match after an eight-year hiatus.

The audience at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium was sent into a frenzy of excitement as Kohli stepped up to deliver three crucial deliveries. This remarkable spectacle was indeed a departure from the norm, as the world had grown accustomed to Kohli’s exceptional skills with the bat, rather than the ball.

To put the significance of this moment into perspective, Kohli’s last foray into bowling during a World Cup event was back in 2015 when he was under the captaincy of the legendary MS Dhoni. In a match against Australia at Sydney, Kohli had bowled an over before being called away by the captain. This eight-year gap has further heightened the rarity of his recent bowling stint.

This unforeseen occurrence unfolded when all-rounder Hardik Pandya, who was initially handling the bowling responsibilities, sustained an unfortunate leg injury that forced him to prematurely exit the field of play. Kohli, in a commendable display of adaptability, took up the mantle to complete Pandya’s over.

Kohli, though primarily known for his batsmanship, demonstrated his versatility by delivering three deliveries at an impressive pace, averaging around 105 kilometers per hour. He displayed an admirable level of skill and control, conceding a mere two runs during this critical juncture.

The momentous occasion reverberated across social media, where fans and cricket enthusiasts expressed their astonishment and admiration for Kohli’s exceptional all-around abilities.

Not something you see everyday as Virat Kohli takes to the bowling crease against Bangladesh 👀#CWC23 | #INDvBAN

Watch here: https://t.co/oAoVPL85WT
— ICC (@ICC) October 19, 2023

Virat Kohli – right arm quick. pic.twitter.com/eHQfB6pXaX
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) October 19, 2023

👑 Kohli stepping into the unexpected bowling spotlight like a pro! 🤩

Always there for the team 💪🏻#PlayBold #INDvBAN #ViratKohli #TeamIndia pic.twitter.com/T9zcckp6EH
— Royal Challengers Bangalore (@RCBTweets) October 19, 2023

Virat Kohli bowling and whole Pune crowds chanting "Kohli, Kohli" and Indian flag behind.

– What a picture…!!!! pic.twitter.com/kSORHTYlw8
— CricketMAN2 (@ImTanujSingh) October 19, 2023

Hardik Pandya’s injury, which led to this unexpected turn of events, occurred when he attempted to thwart a formidable drive from Bangladesh’s Tanzid during the 9th over. In his valiant effort to intercept the delivery, Pandya stretched his right leg, and unfortunately, suffered an ankle injury during the landing phase of his movement. Despite seeking immediate assistance from the physiotherapist, Pandya’s injury proved to be too debilitating to allow him to continue his over. Although the physiotherapists endeavored to provide treatment by taping his left ankle, Pandya had no choice but to leave the field, leaving a temporary vacuum in India’s bowling lineup.

As cricket enthusiasts await the latest updates on Hardik Pandya’s injury status, Virat Kohli’s memorable return to bowling, albeit under unforeseen circumstances, has added another captivating chapter to his storied career and provided an unexpected highlight in the thrilling landscape of international cricket.

Also Read: Virat Kohli’s 48th ODI Century Powers India to Victory in World Cup 2023

Virat Kohli’s 48th ODI Century Powers India to Victory in World Cup 2023

19 October 2023 by Amān Daudzai

Indian cricket fans were left in awe as their beloved cricketer, Virat Kohli, showcased his mastery in a World Cup 2023 match against Bangladesh in Pune. Kohli’s remarkable century triggered an outpour of appreciation on social media, hailing him as the Greatest Of All Time (GOAT).

However, it wasn’t just Kohli who earned accolades; umpire Richard Kettleborough found himself in the spotlight as well. He garnered praise from Indian cricket enthusiasts for a rather pivotal decision. Kettleborough opted not to call a wide despite a Bangladeshi bowler delivering a ball that appeared significantly wide. This decision, which preserved Kohli’s opportunity to score a century, resonated with cricket fans.

The particular delivery, initially deemed wide by spectators, was judged otherwise by Kettleborough. It is likely that the umpire observed Kohli shifting slightly away from the ball’s trajectory. Had Kohli remained in his original position, the ball might have struck him on the pads, which contributed to Kettleborough’s decision to not award it as a wide.

Chasing a target of 257, Virat Kohli displayed his class and finesse, sealing his 48th ODI century and his 78th international century. His remarkable innings culminated in a six, propelling India to victory at 261/3 in just 41.3 overs. Kohli’s elegant knock was adorned with six boundaries and four towering sixes, leaving spectators in sheer admiration.

India’s exceptional performance in the World Cup 2023 is reflected in their flawless record of four wins in as many matches. Currently occupying the second position in the points table with eight points, they are only surpassed by New Zealand, who maintain the top spot with a superior net run rate. In stark contrast, Bangladesh finds itself in the seventh position, with just one victory and three losses.

Bangladesh, confronted by the formidable Indian team, faced an uphill battle, which was further exacerbated by the absence of their skipper, Shakib Al Hasan, who was sidelined due to a left quad injury. Opting to bat first, Bangladesh could not capitalize on the promising 93-run opening partnership between Litton Das and Tanzid Hasan, ultimately setting a target of 256-8. The stage was set for India’s reply, with Captain Rohit Sharma spearheading the chase, while Virat Kohli’s unbeaten century secured an emphatic win for India, with a resounding 51 balls to spare.

This memorable performance by Kohli and the team has once again ignited the fervor and excitement of cricket enthusiasts in India, who proudly rally behind their cricketing heroes on the world stage.

Afghanistan Ends 14-Match Losing Streak with Historic Upset Over Defending Champions England at World Cup

16 October 2023 by Amān Daudzai

In a spectacular throwback to the 2015 World Cup, defending champions England suffered one of the most significant upsets in cricket history. Afghanistan, a team that had struggled to secure victories, managed to secure a remarkable 69-run win in Delhi’s Arun Jaitley Stadium, etching their name into the annals of cricketing folklore.

This shocking turn of events stands as England’s most significant upset since Bangladesh knocked them out of the 2015 World Cup or when Ireland caused a similar sensation in 2011. England, led by Jos Buttler, were confronted with their historical demons as they were humbled on a seemingly serene Sunday evening.

The victory in Delhi marks only the second-ever win for Afghanistan in World Cups, their maiden appearance dating back to 2015 when they clinched a victory over Scotland in Dunedin by a mere one wicket. Following a string of disappointments in the 2019 World Cup, compounded by losses against Bangladesh and India in the 2023 edition, Afghanistan decisively broke free from a 14-match losing streak, securing not only their biggest win in international cricket but also in World Cup history.

Afghanistan’s stunning victory was engineered on the back of a record 284 runs. Opting to bat after Buttler won the toss, Afghanistan delivered a breathtaking start with openers Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran. The duo, who had a subdued start in previous matches, blazed a trail with a blistering 114-run opening partnership, setting a lightning pace of eight runs an over during the initial powerplay.

Gurbaz, in particular, took on the fast bowlers, notching up a fiery half-century. However, Afghanistan faced a sudden top-order collapse after the introduction of Adil Rashid (3/42). Gurbaz remained relentless, taking on the leg-spinner with sweeping boundaries, catapulting Afghanistan to 100 runs in a mere 76 balls. England celebrated their first success in the 17th over as Rashid dismissed Zadran (28) and promptly had Rahmat Shah stumped in his next over.

Gurbaz appeared poised for a century, having scored eight boundaries and four maximums, but a needless single called by skipper Shahidi led to his run-out by substitute David Willey at midwicket. Gurbaz, who departed for 80, expressed his frustration as he left the field, venting his anger by striking a boundary rope and a chair.

The match seemed to be swaying toward another collapse, but a resolute 43-run partnership between Ikram Alikhil and Rashid Khan steadied Afghanistan’s innings. However, the partnership was disrupted as Rashid fell victim to a spectacular piece of fielding by Joe Root on the boundary. Alikhil was eventually dismissed for 58, while Mujeeb Ur Rahman added a quickfire 28 off 16 balls before England wrapped up Afghanistan’s innings in the penultimate ball of the final over, with Jos Buttler running out Naveen-ul-Haq.

Afghanistan’s total of 284 marked their second-highest in a World Cup match, following their 288 against the West Indies in 2019.

England’s response saw an early setback, with Fazalhaq Farooqi executing a brilliant plan to dismiss Jonny Bairstow (2) in his very first delivery, trapping him leg-before as Bairstow lost his balance. Subsequently, Mujeeb bowled a flipper that dismissed England’s best batter, Joe Root (11), who erred by playing the fuller delivery on his back foot. Mohammad Nabi then ended Dawid Malan’s resistance at 32 runs.

England’s struggles mounted as Jos Buttler fell victim to an in-dipper from Naveen, and Liam Livingstone squandered a review after being trapped leg-before by Rashid. With half of their side dismissed, Harry Brook stood as the solitary beacon of hope for England. Known for never surpassing 25 in his previous eight innings, the 24-year-old, a last-minute inclusion in the World Cup squad, managed to secure his second career fifty, offering a glimmer of hope.

As Afghanistan aimed to deliver the knockout blow to England, their captain reintroduced Mujeeb, who dismantled Chris Woakes with a googly and subsequently dismissed Brook with a carrom ball, bringing Brook’s innings to an end at 66 runs. Rashid then wrapped up the final two wickets in rapid succession, ultimately reducing England to just 215 runs with 57 balls remaining, thus sealing Afghanistan’s historic victory.

This triumph will undoubtedly remain etched in the memories of cricket enthusiasts, and it marks a remarkable turning point in Afghanistan’s cricketing journey.

Cricket World Cup 2023: India Dominates Pakistan in Ahmedabad Clash

14 October 2023 by Amān Daudzai

ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup, Ahmedabad: INDIA VS PAKISTAN

Pakistan 191 (42.5 overs): Babar 50, Rizwan 49; Bumrah 2-19
India 192-3 (30.3 overs): Rohit 86, Shreyas 53*
Result: India won by seven wickets

In a much-anticipated showdown at Ahmedabad, the marquee clash between India and Pakistan in the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup unfolded in spectacular fashion, as India showcased a commanding performance that left the cricket world buzzing.

Pakistan, in pursuit of their maiden victory against India in a men’s 50-over World Cup, appeared to be building a competitive platform when they reached 155-2. The stage was set for a tantalizing encounter in the colossal confines of the world’s largest cricket stadium.

However, what transpired was an unexpected and dramatic turn of events. Pakistan’s innings suffered a startling collapse, with the loss of eight wickets for a mere 36 runs, resulting in a total of 191 all out. The formidable India bowlers, led by Mohammed Siraj, collectively wreaked havoc on the Pakistani batting lineup, with Siraj himself contributing two crucial wickets to the cause.

The target posed by Pakistan seemed feeble against India’s batting might. Despite early dismissals, courtesy of Shubman Gill and Virat Kohli, home captain Rohit Sharma played a masterful innings, contributing 86 runs that solidified India’s grip on the match. Rohit collaborated with Shreyas Iyer, who remained unbeaten at 53, as India cruised to victory with nearly 20 overs to spare.

This win marked India’s eighth successive triumph over Pakistan in World Cup matches, dating back to 1992. In the current World Cup, India has maintained an unblemished record, securing three wins in as many games. India now joins New Zealand at the pinnacle of the group table and will square off against Afghanistan in their next match.

While Pakistan tasted their first defeat in this World Cup, it is the context of this humiliating loss against their arch-rivals that will resonate deeply. Pakistan’s upcoming challenges include a match against Australia in Bengaluru, followed by fixtures against South Africa, New Zealand, and England.

On a broader scale, this unbalanced contest highlights a recurring theme in this World Cup, with a dearth of closely fought encounters. The tournament hungers for an element of unpredictability and a more level playing field.

India’s Ominous World Cup Dominance

India’s performance in this World Cup, exemplified by their commanding victory over Pakistan, underscores their status as a tournament favorite. This encounter was not just a cricket match; it was an electrifying spectacle that captured the essence of cricketing rivalry.

The ambiance at the Narendra Modi Stadium was nothing short of electrifying. With a staggering capacity of 132,000, the stadium created one of the most partisan atmospheres in the annals of sport. The noise level, akin to a cacophony, reverberated through the stadium, magnifying the significance of every boundary and wicket, with silence greeting any Pakistani success.

The contest was evenly poised when Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan combined to propel Pakistan to 155-2. India and their vociferous supporters were gripped by the spectacle, as the match hung in the balance. However, Mohammed Siraj’s delivery, which nipped low and shattered Babar’s stumps, triggered a calamitous collapse for Pakistan.

What unfolded was a disintegration mainly driven by Pakistan’s own undoing, hinting at a psychological barrier they face when it comes to this 50-over World Cup fixture. Early wickets were crucial to applying pressure on India, but Rohit Sharma’s exquisite strokeplay projected an air of dominance.

India’s victory was sealed with an aura of inevitability. Pakistan’s performance was not only underwhelming; it was humiliating, leaving their World Cup campaign in jeopardy.

In a wider context, this contest mirrors the broader trend of lopsided matches that have characterized this World Cup. Cricket enthusiasts across the globe yearn for nail-biting finishes and closely fought encounters, an element that has been noticeably absent in this tournament.

India’s dominance in this World Cup is palpable, and they appear to be an unstoppable force on their journey towards the semi-finals. Pakistan, on the other hand, faces the daunting task of regrouping for the upcoming clash with Australia, the start of a challenging series of fixtures that includes South Africa, New Zealand, and England.

While it remains uncertain whether Pakistan can rebound from this disheartening defeat, the cricketing world eagerly awaits a more level playing field in the World Cup, with the hope of witnessing closely contested matches that embody the spirit of the sport.

India Announces Playing XI for World Cup Clash Against Pakistan

14 October 2023 by Amān Daudzai

How to Watch India vs. Pakistan Match Free Live Stream:

In one of the most highly anticipated matches of the ODI World Cup 2023, the Indian cricket team, led by captain Rohit Sharma, has won the toss and opted to take the field first against arch-rivals Pakistan in Ahmedabad. Adding to the intrigue of the clash, opener Shubman Gill, who recently made a successful recovery from dengue, is set to make his World Cup debut.

The playing XI for Team India is as follows:

Rohit Sharma (C)
Shubman Gill
Virat Kohli
Shreyas Iyer
KL Rahul (WK)
Hardik Pandya (VC)
Ravindra Jadeja
Shardul Thakur
Jasprit Bumrah
Kuldeep Yadav
Mohammed Siraj

This encounter holds tremendous historical significance, as India maintains a flawless 100% win record against Pakistan in the annals of ODI World Cup history. The cricketing world eagerly awaits this marquee showdown as two giants of the sport lock horns in what promises to be an electrifying contest.