After four years, ICC World cup is back in India. Ten teams have been qualified for the group stage in which, 4 teams will make it to semi finals. Followed by top two teams will fight for the top spot. This tournament is unpredictable as all the teams have been in great form since their last matches. We could see multiple disappointments and surprise in this upcoming tournament.
Here is the list of my top 5 favorites who will be competing in the main tournament starting from October 5.
India is the most favorites to be the champions as they are the hosts for ICC World cup 2023. India has a very good record winnings in their home series. The team led by Virat Kohli is confident with their squad and will be looking forward to easily slide into the semi finals. India have been a world champions in 1983 and 2011.
You can check out my blog on India vs Pakistan
Pakistan has emerged as a top ranked team in One day international matches in last few months. Not only their batting line up is strong, but also he likes of Shaheen Afridi and Haris rauf has cemented the team to become the champions. Pakistan team have finally arrived Hyderabad,India. They will be playing in India after 7 years.
Securing place at no. 3 Australia will face their first match against India on October 8, Sunday. Like India, Australia to have quality players in all sections of their team, their middle order has proved to be the best when chasing the target. During warm up match against Netherlands,A half-century for Steve Smith and a hat-trick to Mitchell Starc were the bright spots for the five-time champions in a game that was reduced to 23-overs-a-side due to a delayed start. It will be a good contest to watch Australia play their first game against India.
World cup 2019 champs England will be confident to begin their World cup journey and eyeing to continue the winning streak. The defending champions England cricket team arrived in India on Thursday ahead of the first warmup match against India on Saturday. England were the only side to beat India in the league stage of the 2019 ODI World Cup, after which India jettisoned their two-wrist spinner strategy.
New Zealand’s performance was nothing short of spectacular. They chased the massive target of 346 in 43.5 overs with 5 wicket left. Even though Shaheen Shah Afridi didn’t bowl, they made light work of a daunting 345-run chase. New zealand faced an early setback when opening batsman Conway was dismissed for a golden duck. Ravindra’s innings gave momentum to their batting line up but he felt short of a well-deserved century. Williamson capitalized on the opportunity for valuable batting practice and retired after reaching his half-century.
The only concerned in this tournament is the rain. Most of the warm up matches were abandoned. This will be frustrating to see the teams getting knocked out due to it. But all we can do is stay positive and expect that this tournament will be best one ever.