India Cricket Schedule 2023 Cricket World Cup—The Complete Guide.
Attention all Indian cricket fans! We know you have been waiting for this moment eagerly – India’s cricket schedule for the 2023 World Cup has finally been announced (or has it? There have been so many changes to the World Cup schedule, it has been hard to keep track).
But you don’t worry, we got your back.
Here’s everything you need to know about India’s 2023 Cricket World Cup schedule.
Key Takeaways
India begin their opening match against Australia on October 8, 2023 and play their last group stage match against Netherlands on November 12, 2023.
The high stakes India vs Pakistan match is scheduled on October 14, 2023 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.
All of India’s matches are Day-Night affairs, scheduled to begin at 2 PM local time.
India Cricket Schedule 2023 Cricket World Cup: List of India’s World Cup Fixtures
The ODI Super league is over, qualifying tournaments are done and dusted, and the World Cup is finally upon us. Since last time, there were a few T20 World Cups, a pandemic, and like 5 IPLs in between.
The format of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 is a round robin format, same as 2019.
1. India vs. Australia – Oct 8, 2023
Ind vs Aus 2023 ODI World Cup Details
Venue: Chennai
Stadium: MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chepauk
Time: 2:00 PM Local (8:30 AM GMT)
Ind vs Aus 2023 Preview
India’s opening match will be a cracker of a contest.
India’s World Cup campaign kicks off with a high-octane clash against the defending champions, Australia. This match is expected to set the tone for the rest of India’s campaign and it will be interesting to see how India’s top order fares against Australia’s world-class bowling attack. With the likes of Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, and Josh Hazlewood, Australia’s fast bowlers will give India’s batsmen a testing time. However, India’s strong batting lineup, led by Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Shubman Gill, is more than capable of handling the Australian attack. This match will be a true test of both teams’ strength and should not be missed.
Both teams are dealing with injury concerns and the first match will set the tone for the rest of the World Cup.
India’s second match sees them take on Afghanistan, a relatively new entrant into the world of cricket. While Afghanistan’s cricketing pedigree is still growing, they have shown glimpses of their potential in recent years. India is the clear favorite in this match and is expected to dominate.
However, take Afghanistan lightly at your own peril. They have built depth outside of Rashid Khan & Mohammad Nabi. On a good day, Farooqi, Gurbaz, and Najibullah Zadran can blow any team away.
It’s the mother of all cricket battles – India vs. Pakistan! This match is the most anticipated clash of the World Cup and will have fans on the edge of their seats. India has had the upper hand over Pakistan in recent years, winning the last seven encounters between the two nations. However, a World Cup match is a completely different ball game, and Pakistan is more than capable of pulling off an upset (Pakistan are more settled coming into this World Cup and are the #1 ICC ODI side). Expect some fireworks on the field as both teams look to outdo each other.
Next up, India takes on Bangladesh in what is expected to be a closely contested match. Bangladesh wre one of the Top 2 teams in the ODI Super league. They have had captaincy issues, but this is the best chance for a story like Sri Lanka 1996 to repeat itself.
Bangladesh has been improving steadily over the years and has given some of the top teams a run for their money. India can ill afford to take Bangladesh lightly and will need to be at their best to come out on top. This match will be a test of India’s ability to adapt to different conditions and play against a well-rounded team.
Stadium: Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium
Time: 2:00 PM Local (8:30 AM GMT)
Ind vs NZ 2023 Preview
India’s next opponent is New Zealand, a team that has been a thorn in India’s side in recent times. In other words, India’s nemesis. New Zealand has beaten India in their last two encounters, including the 2019 World Cup semifinal. India will be looking for revenge and will be hoping to set the record straight in this match. Expect a closely fought contest as both teams look to assert their dominance.
6. India vs. England – Oct 29, 2023
Ind vs Eng 2023 ODI World Cup Details
Venue: Lucknow
Stadium: Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium
Time: 2:00 PM Local (8:30 AM GMT)
Ind vs Eng 2023 Preview
Next up is England, a giant in today’s white ball cricket. England’s aggressive batting and strong bowling attack will pose a stiff challenge for India, but the Indian team is more than capable of matching England in all departments. This match could be a potential semifinal preview and both teams will be looking to lay down a marker.
Lets just say that if India win, that’ll considered an upset.
India’s final Asian opponent in the group stages is Sri Lanka, a team that has been struggling for form in recent times. India has had the upper hand over Sri Lanka in their last few encounters and is expected to win this one too.
Wanindu Hasaranga in the form of his life, but Sri Lanka have more injury concerns than even India.
8. India vs. South Africa – Nov 5, 2023
Ind vs SA 2023 ODI World Cup Details
Venue: Kolkata
Stadium: Eden Gardens
Time: 2:00 PM Local (8:30 AM GMT)
Ind vs SA 2023 Preview
Next, India takes on South Africa, a team that has been rebuilding after a disappointing World Cup campaign in 2019. This is one of the most settled ODI units South Africa has had in a long while. Expecting this to be a close encounter. Super Over, anyone?
Assuming India makes it to the knockout stages, their first opponent will be Netherlands, a team that has qualified for the World Cup for the first time in over a decade. India is expected to win this match comfortably and progress to the knockout stages. This match will be a good opportunity for India to iron out any flaws in their game and prepare for the tougher challenges ahead.
If India do not make it to the semis, the young Netherlands have the potential to take down the host.
ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 Knockout Stage
Semi-Finals Schedule
There are two semifinals and a final scheduled as follows.
1st Semi-Final – Nov 15, 2023
Venue: Mumbai
Stadium: Wankhede Stadium
Time: 2:00 PM Local (8:30 AM GMT)
2nd Semi-Final – Nov 16, 2023
Venue: Kolkata
Stadium: Eden Gardens
Time: 2:00 PM Local (8:30 AM GMT)
Final – Nov 19, 2023
Venue: Ahmedabad
Stadium: Narendra Modi Stadium
Time: 2:00 PM Local (8:30 AM GMT)
*Note: There may be reserve days scheduled for the semi-finals and finals in case of rain delays, just like the 2019 WC semi-final between India and NZ.
Finals Schedule
Final Thoughts
India’s 2023 World Cup schedule is one that has generated a lot of excitement and anticipation among fans. With tough opponents like Australia, Pakistan, and New Zealand, India will need to be at their best to progress to the latter stages of the tournament. However, with a strong squad filled with talented batsmen, bowlers, and all-rounders, India has a good chance of going all the way. As Indian cricket fans, we cannot wait for the tournament to begin and see our team in action. Here’s hoping for a successful campaign for Team India!
Do you think India can make the semifinal or the final? Let us know below!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) – India Cricket Schedule 2023 Cricket World Cup
What are some of the key matches in India’s 2023 World Cup schedule?
Some of the key matches in India’s World Cup 2023 schedule include their clashes with traditional rivals Pakistan and Australia, as well as games against strong teams like England and New Zealand. These matches could be crucial in determining India’s progress in the tournament.
Which team could potentially pose the biggest challenge for India in the group stages of the World Cup 2023?
While all matches in the World Cup hold significant importance, England and New Zealand, who have both performed exceptionally well in recent years, could pose the biggest challenge for India during the group stages. These teams have balanced sides, with match-winners in both batting and bowling departments.
What are the expectations for India in the World Cup 2023?
Given the strength of the Indian squad, expectations are high for a strong performance in the World Cup 2023. The team is expected to progress to the knockout stages and has the potential to go all the way to the final. However, cricket is a game of uncertainties and the actual outcome will depend on how the team performs on the day.
India and Pakistan have gone head-to-head 7 times in the ODI Cricket World Cup (Men’s). India has won all 7 out of 7 (1992, 1996, 1999, 2003, 2011, 2015, 2019).
Sachin Tendulkar (313), Virat Kohli (193), Saeed Anwar (185), Rohit Sharma (155), and Misbah-ul-Haq (132) are the highest scores in Ind-Pak ODI WC matches. On the other hand, Venkatesh Prasad (8), Javagal Srinath (7), Wahab Riaz (7), Anil Kumble (5), and Mushtaq Ahmed (5) have taken the most wickets in these contests.
The highest score in Indo-Pak matches is Rohit Sharma’s 140, followed by Virat Kohli’s 107, Saeed Anwar’s 101, and Sachin Tendulkar’s 98. On the bowling side, Venkatesh Prasad’s 5/27, Wahab Riaz’a 5/46, Sohail Khan’s 5/55, and Mohammad Shami’s 4/35 are the best figures.
In each of the seven occasions, the team that won the toss chose to bowl first and six times, it was won by the team batting first. Only in 2003, did a team win chasing.
Sachin Tendulkar has won the player of the match award in India-Pakistan World Cup matches thrice, while Navjot Sidhu, Venkatesh Prasad, Virat Kohli, and Rohit Sharma and have each won the award once.
Ground: Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG), Sydney, Australia
Toss:, India won the toss and chose to bowl first
The Story & Memorable Moments
This match will forever be remembered for Javed Miandad’s jumping imitation of Kiran More. Other than that, it was a slow-moving affair. Young Tendulkar’s match-winning fifty and Kapil Dev’s finishing prowess did the job for India despite Mushtaq Ahmed’s double wicket over. Pakistan responded with a slow but steady 88-run partnership between Miandad & Sohail but would collapse from 105/2 to 173 all out.
This game provided us with one of the most iconic India-Pakistan memories: Venkatesh Prasad vs Aamer Sohail.Chasing 289 in the World Cup quarterfinals on the back of Sidhu’s brilliance and steady contribution from the rest of India’s Top 6, the match hung in balance after Pakistan had 84 runs on the board after just 10 overs. After Saeed Anwar departed, Sohail was still looking aggressive.
Sohail vs Prasad ball 1 – hit through the covers and Sohail pointed to Prasad where the ball went. The next ball, CLEAN BOWLED! This is what India-Pakistan games are for. Memories we will cherish forever.
Yet another Venkatesh Prasad special. Dravid, Azharuddin, and Tendulkar each played decent knocks, and Srinath-Prasad’s eight wickets together sealed the victory in a low-scoring contest.
Toss: Pakistan won the toss and chose to field first
The Story & Memorable Moments
If I had to pick one shot from an India-Pakistan World Cup match, it is Sachin Tendulkar’s epic upper cut against Shoaib Akhtar for a six! This time, Pakistan put int one heck of a battle. Saeed Anwar led the charge with a century, but India chased 275 with 4 overs to spare thanks to Tendulkar’s tremendous knock. Yuvraj Singh & Rahul Dravid did the rest and took India home with a steady 99-run partnership.
Virat Kohli’s love affair with Adelaide & Australia continued. Kohli’s century as well as India’s crunch ICC players – Dhawan & Raina came to the party with quick 70s. Sohail Khan starred with the ball for Pakistan with 5 wickets, but no one apart from Misbah stood up with the bat as India won by a mammoth 76 runs. It was also the beginning of the brief but brilliant bowling partnership between Umesh-Mohit Sharma, and Mohammad Shami.
Toss: Pakistan won the toss and chose to field first
The Story & Memorable Moments
We can safely say that this was one of the more one-sided India-Pakistan matches. When Kuldeep Yadav bowled one of the balls of the tournament to dismiss Babar Azam for 48, it was all but over in the 24th over.Earlier, India had bludgeoned 336 runs with the help of Rohit Sharma’s magnificent 140, Kohli’s 77, and KL Rahul’s 57. Although Amir took 3 wickets, it just wasn’t the same as the 2016 T20 Asia Cup and 2017 Champions Trophy battle. Oh yeah, and all the rain delays took away from the drama as well.
Who has Scored the Most Runs in India Pakistan ODI World Cup Matches? Top 10 Run Scorers in Ind-Pak CWC Matches
Player
Country
Matches
Runs
Best
100s/50s
Average/Strike Rate
Sachin Tendulkar
India
5
313
98
0/3
78.25/83.24
Virat Kohli
India
3
193
107
1/1
64.33/91.03
Saeed Anwar
Pakistan
3
185
101
1/0
61.66/91.58
Rohit Sharma
India
2
155
140
1/0
77.50/116.54
Misbah-ul-Haq
Pakistan
2
132
76
0/2
66.00/82.50
Mohammad Azharuddin
India
2
118
59
0/1
39.33/80.27
Aamer Sohail
Pakistan
2
117
62
0/2
58.50/82.97
Suresh Raina
India
2
110
74
0/1
110.00/115.78
Rahul Dravid
India
2
105
61
0/1
105.00/63.63
Ajay Jadeja
India
3
97
46
0/0
32.33/83.62
Who has Taken the Most Wickets in India Pakistan ODI World Cup Matches? Top 10 Wicket-Takers in Ind-Pak CWC Matches
Player
Country
Matches
Wickets
Best
4-fer/5-fer
Average/Economy
Venkatesh Prasad
India
2
8
5/27
0/1
9.00/3.69
Javagal Srinath
India
4
7
3/37
0/0
25.14/5.00
Wahab Riaz
Pakistan
3
7
5/46
0/1
23.71/5.53
Anil Kumble
India
3
5
3/48
0/0
28.40/4.73
Mushtaq Ahmed
Pakistan
2
5
3/59
0/0
23.00/5.75
Sohail Khan
Pakistan
1
5
5/55
0/1
11.00/5.50
Zaheer Khan
India
2
4
2/46
0/0
26.00/5.24
Mohammad Shami
India
1
4
4/35
1/0
8.75/3.88
Ashish Nehra
India
2
4
2/33
0/0
26.75/5.35
Waqar Younis
Pakistan
2
4
2/67
0/0
34.50/7.39
Ind vs Pak 2023 World Cup Match
When is Ind vs Pak 2023 World Cup Match?
India vs Pakistan will be held on Saturday, 14 October, 2023 at 2 PM local time. Mark your calendars.
Where will be the 2023 World Cup Ind vs Pak match be held?
The Ind-Pak 2023 WC match will be held in Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, India.
Final Thoughts
Let’s be honest. India-Pakistan WC matches have rarely been competitive. There have been moments of enertainment – think Venkatesh Prasad-Sohail, Tendulkar vs Shoaib, Kohli & Rohit’s hundreds, and Wahab Riaz’s 5-fer.
The new generation of Pakistan cricket promises to make this a more even contest – Babar Azam, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Rizwan, Shadab, Rauf, and more. For India, this may be the final chance for the likes of Rohit Sharma & Virat Kohli.
Whatever happens, whatever the result, I hope the game is played in great spirit, the crowd has a good & safe time, and we get to see a competitive, edge-of-the-seat contest.
That’s all from me. What do you think? Type your prediction below – who do you think will win this upcoming 2023 ODI World Cup match, Pakistan or India?
Pakistan vs India World Cup – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
When is India vs Pakistan in the 2023 Cricket World Cup?
India vs Pakistan will be held on Saturday, 14 October, 2023 at 2 PM local time
Who has scored the most runs in India-Pakistan World Cup matches?
Sachin Tendulkar (313), Virat Kohli (193), Rohit Sharma (185), Rohit Sharma (155), and Misbah-ul-Haq (132) are the highest scores in Ind-Pak ODI WC matches. On the other hand, Venkatesh Prasad (8), Javagal Srinath (7), Wahab Riaz (7), Anil Kumble (5), and Mushtaq Ahmed (5) have taken the most wickets in these contests.
Who has taken the most wickets in India-Pakistan World Cup matches?
The ODI World Cup 2023 schedule have finally been announced!
The ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 is just around the corner and cricket fans all over the world are eagerly awaiting this grand event.
Scheduled to take place in India between 5 October and 19 November 2023, this will be the 13th edition of the tournament. With teams from all over the world competing for the coveted title, it promises to be an exciting tournament full of thrilling matches and nail-biting finishes. So, get ready for some serious cricket action as we bring you a complete guide to the 2023 ODI Cricket World Cup Schedule!
England and New Zealand play the first match of the 2023 ODI World Cup, marking the repeat of the iconic 2019 World Cup Final.
Some of the marquee matches are as follows: October 8 (India vs Australia), October 13 (Australia vs South Africa), October 15 (India vs Pakistan), October 22 (India vs New Zealand), October 23 (Afghanistan vs Pakistan), October 29 (India vs England), October 31 (Pakistan vs Bangladesh), and November 4 (Australia vs England)
India, Pakistan, and South Africa will play all 9 of their matches as Day-Night (D/N) matches. Bangladesh will play the least with 6 D/N matches.
India & England will play in 9 separate venues, while Pakistan will only play in five different venues.
If India make the semi-finals, they will play in Mumbai. However, if it is an India vs Pakistan match, then it will be held in Kolkata.
The World Cup will run from October 5, 2023-November 19, 2023.
Fixtures & Schedule: ICC 2023 ODI Cricket World Cup
*Note: Qualifier 1 & Qualifier 2 denotes the two teams that will qualify from the 2023 ODI World Cup Qualifier held in Zimbabwe. The six candidates at the moment are: Zimbabwe, Sri Lanka, Scotland, Netherlands, West Indies, and Oman.
India Fixtures Overview
Number of Day Night Matches: 9/9
Most Frequent Venue: None (each stadium used one for hosts India)
Shortest Gap Between Matches: 2 Days (between matches 1 & 2)
Longest Gap Between Matches: 6 Days (between matches 5 & 6)
ODI World Cup 2023 Schedule – India Team (Hosts)
vs Australia: October 8, 2023, Chennai (D/N)
vs Afghanistan: October 11, 2023, Delhi (D/N)
vs Pakistan: October 15, 2023, Ahmedabad (D/N)
vs Bangladesh: October 19, 2023, Pune (D/N)
vs New Zealand: October 22, 2023, Dharamsala (D/N)
vs England: October 29, 2023, Lucknow (D/N)
vs Qualifier 2: November 2, 2023, Mumbai (D/N)
vs South Africa: November 5, 2023, Kolkata (D/N)
vs Qualifier 1: November 11, 2023, Bengaluru (D/N)
Most Frequent Venue: Hyderabad, Chennai (twice each, back-to-back), Kolkata, Bengaluru (twice)
Shortest Gap Between Matches: 2 Days (between matches 4 & 5)
Longest Gap Between Matches: 7 Days (between matches 8 & 9)
ODI World Cup 2023 – Pakistan Team Schedule
vs Qualifier 1: October 6, 2023, Hyderabad (D/N)
vs Qualifier 2: October 12, 2023, Hyderabad (D/N)
vs India: October 15, 2023, Ahmedabad (D/N)
vs Australia: October 20, 2023, Bengaluru (D/N)
vs Afghanistan: October 23, 2023, Chennai (D/N)
vs South Africa: October 27, 2023, Chennai (D/N)
vs Bangladesh: October 31, 2023, Kolkata (D/N)
vs New Zealand: November 4, 2023, Bengaluru
vs England: November 12, 2023, Kolkata (D/N)
South Africa Fixtures Overview
Number of Day Night Matches: 9/9
Most Frequent Venue: Mumbai (twice, back-to-back)
Shortest Gap Between Matches: 2 Days (between matches 4 & 5, between matches 5 & 6)
Longest Gap Between Matches: 5 Days (between matches 1 & 2)
ODI World Cup 2023 – South Africa Team Schedule
vs Qualifier 2: October 7, 2023, Delhi (D/N)
vs Australia: October 13, 2023, Lucknow (D/N)
vs Qualifier 1: October 17, 2023, Dharamsala (D/N)
vs England: October 21, 2023, Mumbai (D/N)
vs Bangladesh: October 24, 2023, Mumbai (D/N)
vs Pakistan: October 27, 2023, Chennai (D/N)
vs New Zealand: November 1, 2023, Pune (D/N)
vs India: November 5, 2023, Kolkata (D/N)
vs Afghanistan: November 10, 2023, Ahmedabad (D/N)
Qualifier 1 Fixtures Overview
Number of Day Night Matches: 8/9
Most Frequent Venue: Hyderabad (twice, back-to-back), Lucknow
Shortest Gap Between Matches: 2 Days (between matches 1 & 2, between matches 5 & 6, between matches 8 & 9)
Longest Gap Between Matches: 7 Days (between matches 2 & 3)
ODI World Cup 2023 – Qualifier 1 Schedule
vs Pakistan: October 6, 2023, Hyderabad (D/N)
vs New Zealand: October 9, 2023, Hyderabad (D/N)
vs South Africa: October 17, 2023, Dharamsala (D/N)
vs Qualifier 2: October 21, 2023, Lucknow
vs Australia: October 25, 2023, Delhi (D/N)
vs Bangladesh: October 28, 2023, Kolkata (D/N)
vs Afghanistan: November 3, 2023, Lucknow (D/N)
vs England: November 8, 2023, Pune (D/N)
vs India: November 11, 2023, Lucknow (D/N)
Qualifier 2 Fixtures Overview
Number of Day Night Matches: 8/9
Most Frequent Venue: Lucknow (twice, back-to-back), Delhi (twice)
Shortest Gap Between Matches: 2 Days (between matches 6 & 7, between matches 8 & 9)
Longest Gap Between Matches: 4 Days (between matches 4 & 5)
ODI World Cup 2023 – Qualifier 2 Schedule
vs South Africa: October 7, 2023, Delhi (D/N)
vs Pakistan: October 12, 2023, Hyderabad (D/N)
vs Australia: October 16, 2023, Lucknow (D/N)
vs Qualifier 1: October 21, 2023, Lucknow
vs England: October 26, 2023, Bengaluru (D/N)
vs Afghanistan: October 30, 2023, Pune (D/N)
vs India: November 2, 2023, Mumbai (D/N)
vs Bangladesh: November 6, 2023, Delhi (D/N)
vs New Zealand: November 9, 2023, Bengaluru (D/N)
2023 ODI World Cup Knockout Matches
November 15, 2023, Kolkata (D/N)
November 16, 2023, Mumbai (D/N)
November 19, 2023, Ahmedabad
Final Thoughts
The ODI World Cup 2023 schedule promises to be a rollercoaster ride of emotions for cricket fans across the globe.
With the best teams battling it out on the field, we can hope that several matches are a nail-biting experience. The ODI Cricket World is more than just a sport. It is a unifying force that brings people together from all corners of the world.
Mark your calendars and get ready to witness history in the making as the world’s best cricketing nations compete for the ultimate prize- the ODI World Cup trophy!
Frequently Asked Questions
When will the India vs Pakistan match be in the 2023 ODI World Cup?
The much awaited India vs Pakistan match will take place on October 15, 2023 in Ahmedabad.
How many matches will be played in the 2023 ODI World Cup?
48 matches will be played in the 2023 ODI World Cup (45 group stage matches, 2 semi-finals, and one final).
When will the ICC 2023 ODI World Cup be played?
The 2023 ODI Cricket World Cup will be held between October 5, 2023 and November 19, 2023.
Toss: Pakistan won the toss and chose to field first.
Venue: Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai, UAE
Umpires: Chris Gaffaney & Marais Erasmus
What Actually Happened
Winner: Pakistan won by 10 wickets
Scores: India 151/7 – Pakistan 152/0
Player of the Match: Shaheeen Shah Afridi 3/31
Best Figures
Shaheen Shah Afridi (4-0-31-3)
Most Runs
Virat Kohli 57 (49)
Mohammad Rizwan 79* (55), Babar Azam 68* (52)
Moments of The Day: A Day To Remember for Pakistan’s Stars
Shaheen Shah Afridi you beauty! What a memorable spell. LBW to Rohit Sharma, ball of the tournament through the gates of KL Rahul, and finally Virat Kohli.
Virat Kohli‘s strike rate might be low on paper, but he did what was necessary. Absorbed the pressure, stemmed the flow of wickets, and took India to a decent total. Just could not accelerate towards the end.
Babar Azam-Mohammad Rizwan What do I even say? They have a 50+ T20I batting partnership average and for good reason. They bat and bat and bat and bat….152* (107) absolutely brilliant partnership that. If you want to understand the mental strength of Rizwan, just look at the video below.
Tweet of the Day
This is a brilliant piece of work. If you had to look at one piece of cricket content this week, look at the video below. Rizwan is the greatest.
Broken Cricket Dream of the Day: World Cup Record 12-1
After numerous ODI World Cups and T20I, Pakistan have finally won the battle. 12 attempts, 1 win, Broken Dream for India’s enviable record against Pakistan in World Cups.
Also a good time to state that the IPL (with 10 teams) cannot be considered the world’s if it does not have players like Shaheen, Babar, and Rizwan.
No need to go elsewhere for the Points Table, Highest Run Scorer, Highest Wicket Taker, Most Catches, and Most Dismissals. We will keep updating it in every article!
Mohommad Naim – 126 runs (Bangladesh, 3 Matches)
Shakib Al Hasan – 11 wickets (Bangladesh, 4 Matches)
Image Courtesy: Graphic (original work), Kyle Coetzer – Photo by Francois Nel-ICC/ICC via Getty Images, Mahmudullah – Photo by Mike Hewitt-ICC/ICC via Getty Images
With India, Pakistan, and Afghanistan in this group already set, this is a mini Asia Cup battle. In the preliminary qualification round, if Sri Lanka is ranked 2 in Group A and if Bangladesh tops Group B, we might see a potential 5/6 Asian teams!
This might not be named the Group of Death from the outside, but I think this group will be closer than it appears. Here is our team-by-team analysis—Most Balanced, Surprise Exclusions, In-Form Inclusions and Predictions!
Prediction:Rank 3rd in Group 2. In spin conditions, if their batters can put up a decent score, expect Afghanistan to surprise a few of the big teams.
Does Afghanistan Have It In Them To Win the T20 World Cup?
Another World Cup. Another captaincy change right before the World Cup for Afghanistan. Rashid Khan had received the captaincy baton from Asghar Afghan, but he has resigned on the eve on the World Cup since he was not consulted for the WC squad. Add to that the current political situation, and Afghanistan’s entry in the WC is not even guaranteed.
Iconic trio Hamid Hassan, Mohammad Shahzad, and Shapoor Zadran return after years of international hiatus. Fitness will be the key concern, but Afghanistan have a good mix of youth and experience. They are also guaranteed 5 games in the main draw.
Unlucky to Miss Out: Shreyas Iyer, Deepak Chahar, Shardul Thakur (reserves), Washington Sundar (injured), Shikhar Dhawan, Yuzvendra Chahal, Krunal Pandya, Kuldeep Yadav, Shubman Gill, Natarajan, Khaleel Ahmed, Manish Pandey, Sanju Samson, Dinesh Karthik. If you want the list of all 75 players which form Indian cricket team’s depth, read this.
Surprise Inclusions: R Ashwin, Varun Chakravarthy, MS Dhoni (Mentor)
Watch Out For: Trial by Spin—Rahul Chahar, R Ashwin, & Varun Chakravarthy can single handedly bamboozle most batting lineups. With Ravindra Jadeja and Axar Patel providing control, India might not have to chase large targets. Expect Ashwin in powerplays, Chahar-Jadeja in middle overs, and if he plays, Varun at the death.
Prediction:Rank 2nd in Group 2. Since this side has not played together, India might drop a game or two till they figure out their best XI, but should find momentum towards the latter stages of the tournament.
Does India Have It In Them To Win the T20 World Cup?
A well balanced side overall. Selectors have finally picked IPL as the standard for T20I selection and separated it from ODI players. IPL dynasty Mumbai Indians have six players in this 15.
Shikhar Dhawan was the highest scorer for India in both the ODI and T20I series against Sri Lanka and has been at the top of the charts (with decent SR) in the last two IPLs, but has still not made the cut. Bold move to cut Chahal but Chahar is the in-form leg spinner.
India have punted on spinning conditions and hence, exposed their fast bowling. Too much responsibility on Bumrah? Will we see a Sharma-Kohli opening partnership? Can India finally add an ICC Trophy after a decade of semi-finals and runner-ups trophy?
New Zealand T20 World Cup Squad
Batters
Spin Bowling All-Rounders
Medium Pace All-Rounders
Wicket-Keepers
Spin Bowlers
Fast Bowlers
Kane Williamson
Mitchell Santner
Kyle Jamieson
Glenn Phillips
Todd Astle
Trent Boult
Devon Conway
Mark Chapman
Daryl Mitchell
Tim Seifert
Ish Sodhi
Lockie Ferguson
Martin Guptill
James Neesham
Tim Southee
Adam Milne
Group 1 2021 T20 World Cup Squads: New Zealand
New Zealand Probable XI
Tim Seifert (WK), 2. Martin Guptill, 3. Kane Williamson (C), 4. Devon Conway, 5. Glenn Phillips, 6. Jimmy Neesham, 7. Mitchell Santner, 8. Tim Southee, 9. Lockie Ferguson, 10. Ish Sodhi, 11. Trent Boult
Average Age: 30
Unlucky to Miss Out: Colin de Grandhomme, Will Young, Finn Allen, Tom Blundell, Henry Nicholls/Tom Latham/Ross Taylor, Doug Bracewell/Hamish Bennett/Jacob Duffy/Blair Tickner, Ajaz Patel
Surprise Inclusions: Mark Chapman, Todd Astle
Watch Out For:Lockie Ferguson & Devon Conway. Ferguson’s KKR experience in UAE might come in handy and can Conway continue his dream debut year?
Prediction:Rank 4th in Group 2. Although a great team on paper, going against 3-5 Asian sides in UAE will just not be an easy task.
Does New Zealand Have It In Them To Win the T20 World Cup?
Interesting team selection this based on condition and form. Glenn Phillips-Conway-Seifert had solidifed their positions with a rich run of form last year. This meant that Will Young and Finn Allen could not break in the squad despite great T20I performances toward the end. Great depth in New Zealand cricket means several players had to miss out.
Colin de Grandhomme is the interestesting exclusion for me. If fit, he could have been devastating but Mitchell-Neesham-Santner-Jamieson have booked their tickets with a coule of good performances earlier in the year. Adam Milne unlucky to just be in the reserves because he is been on fire in the Big Bash and The hundred since his comeback. End of T20Is for Ross Taylor.
Pakistan T20 World Cup Squad
Batters
Spin Bowling All-Rounders
Medium Pace All-Rounders
Wicket-Keepers
Spin Bowlers
Fast Bowlers
Babar Azam
Imad Wasim
Hasan Ali
Mohammad Rizwan
Haris Rauf
Sohaib Maqsood
Mohammad Hafeez
Mohammad Wasim
Azam Khan
Mohammad Hasnain
Khushdil Shah
Mohammad Nawaz
Shaheen Shah Afridi
Asif Ali
Shadab Khan
Fakhar Zaman
Usman Qadir
Shahnawaz Dahani
Group 1 2021 T20 World Cup Squads: Pakistan
Pakistan Probable XI
Babar Azam (C), 2. Mohammad Rizwan, 3. Mohammad Hafeez, 4. Sohaib Maqsood, 5. Imad Wasim, 6. Azam Khan/Khushdil Shah/Asif Ali, 7. Shadab Khan, 8. Hasan Ali, 9. Mohammad Nawaz, 10. Haris Rauf, 11. Shaheen Shah Afridi
Average Age: 27
Unlucky to Miss Out: Fakhar Zaman, Usman Qadir (Reserves), Iftikhar Ahmed, Shoaib Malik, Sarfaraz Ahmed, Faheem Ashraf, Haider Ali, Sharjeel Khan, Imam-ul-Haq, Hussain Talat, Mohammad Amir, Usman Khan Shinwari, Sohail Tanvir, Wahab Riaz, Misbah-ul-Haq, Waqar Younis (Coach)
Prediction:Rank 1 in Group 2. Should get through the group with ease before collapsing in the semi-finals.
Does Pakistan Have It In Them To Win the T20 World Cup?
Pakistan have opted for a young squad dropping all of Shoaib Malik, Iftikhar Ahmed, Sarfaraz, and Wahab Riaz. If the lower order of Imad Wasim-Shadab-Hasan Ali can consistently score some quick runs, Pakistan will be in good shape.
The top 4 do not have competition from others in the squad, so expect Babar-Rizwan-Hafeez-Maqsood to play with freedom. Shaheen Shah Afridi-Haris Rauf-Nawaz-Hasan Ali-Shadab-Imad-Hafeez make a potent bowling line up as well. Would have liked Zaman, Qadir, Faheem Ashraf, and one of the seniors in the 15 but overall, the squad is pretty solid nevertheless.
