The One Day International Cricket World Cup will commence on October 5^th. Even ICC has joined the hype by listing its top 5 must-watch matches in the 2023 ODI World Cup.

Presented By: Raghunath Nair

Date: 14/09/2023

Introduction

The 2023 ICC Cricket World Cup will be played at the end of the summer season and before the winter begins in most parts of India, dew may not be a factor as it was the case with the last T20 World Cup.

The format of the tournament will consist of ten teams competing against each other in a round-robin stage. All teams will aim for the top 4 positions to play the knockouts.

There will be key games which will be a must-watch for all cricket fans.

Hosts India will begin their campaign on October 8 against Australia which will be a crucial encounter for India as India considers Australia to be the biggest hurdle on their win their second ODI world cup title in home soil after 2011. India will be aiming for their third ODI title overall.

Being a round robin tournament any slipup makes qualification even more difficult hence all games will be crucial but there are five matches that have been highlighted by the ICC as particularly exciting and most anticipated by fans around the world.

Presenting the ICC’s list of top five matches to watch out for in the 2023 ODI World Cup.

India vs Pakistan (15th October)

Venue: Ahmedabad

Cricket’s biggest rivalry will lock horns on the 15th October in India’s biggest stadium. Rest Assured the tickets are all sold out and expect a fully packed stadium cheering the home side.

This highly charged clash at the Narendra Modi Stadium will witness these two cricketing giants face off in front of a packed Motera crowd.

India has never lost an ODI World Cup Clash against Pakistan in the history of the World Cup and would like to keep the record intact. Pakistan lost to their arch-rivals with their highest margin in the ongoing Asia Cup. This could a motivation enough for the Men in Green to do well and change the result in their favor and also change the World Cup Jinx.

England vs New Zealand (5th October)

Venue: Ahmedabad

This will be the World Cup opening game and a repeat of the last edition’s World Cup Finals, considered the best Finals in World Cup history.

With the recent form of England, especially Ben Stokes who came out of retirement for this mega event, just scored the highest individual ODI score for England in their ongoing series with the Kiwis.

New Zealand, however, is one of the most consistent teams in World Cup history. Ahmedabad is a batting wicket and both teams would like to flex their batting prowess here.

England are the defending champions and a serious force in the white ball cricket game.

Most players will not find the condition foreign thanks to the Indian Premier League.

India vs Australia (8th October)

Venue: Chennai

Probably one of the most anticipated games in the tournament as this will be played in the slow-turning track of Chennai.

Australia are the undisputed White ball bullies and they play the game in the most aggressive manner possible with their army of big hitters in the side.

Chennai wicket may suit the Indian slow ball bowlers and the game will be Indian spin attack vs the Australian Batting might.

This will be the opening game for both the teams and the winner of this bout will have an easier path to reach the top 4 slot.

Having lost the World Test Championship against the same opponent, India will be keen to make a statement.

Australia vs South Africa (13th October)

Venue: Lucknow

While this may not look like an equally matched clash, South Africa and Australia matches have always given us great World Cup memories.

A run-fest is expected and the South Africans will be keen to erase the poor performances of the 2019 edition wherein they had won only 3 matches in the tournament and could not secure a top 4 place.

South Africa did beat Australia in the final group match in the 2019 edition which will keep the Proteas confident in this clash.

If the pitch suits the pace bowlers, it will be a great sight to see the pace bowlers from both sides.

Bangladesh vs Afghanistan (7th October)

Venue: Dharmashala

In this day match clash, this will be a clash of the spinners from both sides. While the venue may not suit the spinners from both sides, we may see some very aggressive batting due to the nature of the pitch in Dharamashala.

Bangladesh cannot be taken lightly in subcontinental conditions as the nature of the Indian pitches will help their style of play

In the recent few years, Afghanistan and Bangladesh games in the T20 version have been very close and the fans will expect some high-voltage drama in this clash too.

Rashid Khan will be key for Afghanistan.

Conclusion

Toss will not play a significant role but some venues will suit some teams more and a weaker opponent can also spring a surprise if the venue suits their game.