Match 32 - New Zealand Vs South Africa; Predicted XI; Fan

Match Timing: 1 Nov 2023 14:00

Venue: Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium, Pune

Both South Africa and New Zealand have been in great form in this World Cup. South Africa lost only one match against the Netherlands which was one of the biggest upsets in this event. Barring that South Africa has been in great touch and has won 5 matches till now. They are on the verge of qualifying for the semi-finals. Win against the Kiwis will book their place in the semi-finals. 

Their bench strength is so good that Reeza Hendericks has to sit out despite being in great form. Their first-choice openers - Quinton de Kock and Temba Bavuma will look to provide good starts as they have been doing. The middle order led by Aiden Markram and Heinrich Klaassen has the flexibility and the firepower to power them to a mammoth total. The only concern that remains will be how they would cope if put in to chase, especially after the closely fought game against Pakistan. The presence of Marco Jansen provides balance to the team, and their pace battery is certainly among the best going around. The twin spin of Keshav Maharaj and Tabraiz Shamsi also are in good nick and can deliver if the need arises.

New Zealand will still be without their regular captain Kane Williamson. But even in the absence of the skipper the New Zealand team has been going strong with the likes of Devon Conway, Rachin Ravindra, and Daryl Mitchell firing all cylinders in the batting department. It would be a test for the Kiwis to face the Proteas fire with the likes of Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi, and Gerald Coetzee bowling the thunderbolts. The middle order and lower order are certainly in good touch and can go big when the top order provides a good platform. One particular name that stands out here is Glenn Phillips, his spell of 3-37 in 10 overs against Australia was extremely good it makes it even better when you see that Australia scored 388 in 50 overs. Trent Boult and Mark Henry lead the pace attack; such is the quality of their attack that they have to keep a player of Tim Southee's caliber out of the team. Mitchell Santner is among the leading wicket-takers and will lead them in the spin department.

This match should be neck to neck with a slight advantage to South Africa as they have a more aggressive batting lineup.

Predicted XI:

South Africa

Quinton de Kock (Wicket-Keeper)
Temba Bavuma (Captain)
Rassie van der Dussen
Aiden Markram
Heinrich Klaassen
David Miller
Marco Jansen
Gerald Coetzee
Kagiso Rabada
Keshav Maharaj
Tabraiz Shamsi/Lungi Ngidi

New Zealand

Devon Conway
Will Young
Rachin Ravindra
Daryl Mitchell
Tom Latham (Captain & Wicket-Keeper)
Glenn Phillips
James Neesham
Mitchell Santner
Matt Henry
Trent Boult
Lockie Ferguson

Fantasy XI

Devon Conway
Quinton de Kock
Rachin Ravindra
Glenn Phillips
Daryl Mitchell
Heinrich Klaassen
Marco Jansen
Mitchell Santner
Trent Boult
Matt Henry
Gerald Coetzee

Match 31 - Pakistan Vs Bangladesh; Predicted XI; Fantasy XI

 Match Timing: 31 Oct 2023, 14:00

Venue: Eden Gardens, Kolkata

The battle of Pakistan and Bangladesh has recently been more competitive and they have had some closely fought matches in the last decade. But this time, both the teams have very little to play for. Bangladesh is all but out of the world cup, and Pakistan is on the brink of elimination from the tournament and a slip up against Bangladesh will mean that Men in Green will be out. But, you can never rule out Pakistan in any situation, they have time and again showed that they can make it from any position, although it looks a tall task this time to reach the semis.

Pakistan's problem starts from the top. Abdullah Shafique is good, but they also need an aggressive player to play the big shots in the first powerplay, and Imam-ul-Haq is doing little there. They can probably bring in Fakhar Zaman for this match and see if he can make any difference with his big hits. 

Babar Azam is having an under-par tournament partly due to the high standards he has set for himself, and hehas been unable to convert the 50s to a big score. And his captaincy has been under threats with few questionable decisions in the close matches. 

Mohammad Rizwan is the only man in good form for Pakistan, but he lacks the support from the middle and lower order. 

The fast bowlers, Haris Rauf in particular, have been quite expensive in this tournament. Although, Shaheen Afridi has been in the wickets, but he has also been leaking runs and not being very effective in the crunch moments. And spin performance has been extremely under-par.

Bangladesh have their own issues, and it start even before the tournament is started surrounding the controversary between Tamim Iqbal and captain Shakib Al Hasan. Even after that, Bangladesh was able to start the tournament ona  winning note with a win over Afghanistan, but after that it has been a downward trend for the Bangla tigers, as they lost 5 matches on the trot.

Bangladesh's situation is no better than their counterparts. Neither the openers nor the middle order seem to be finding their groove. The only batsman who is able to play is Mahmudullah and he too comes in at No. 7. If the Bangladesh have to give fight to Pakistan in this match, they will need their senior duo of Litton Das, Shakib and Mushfiqur Rahim to fire. The fast bowlers have been decent with their performances, but their spinners are also not doing too well. 

Predicted XIs:

Pakistan

Abdullah Shafique
Fakhar Zaman/Imam-ul-Haq
Babar Azam (Captain)
Mohammad Rizwan (Wicket-Keeper)
Saud Shakeel
Iftikhar Ahmed
Shadab Khan
Mohammad Nawaz
Shaheen Afridi
Mohammad Wasim Jr.
Haris Rauf

Bangladesh

Tanzid Hasan
Litton Das
Mehdy Hasan Miraz
Najmul Hossain Shanto
Shakib Al Hasan (Captain)
Mushfiqur Rahim (Wicket-Keeper)
Mahmudullah
Mahedi Hasan/Nasum Ahmed
Taskin Ahmed
Mustafizur Rahman
Shoriful Islam

Fantasy XI

Babar Azam (Captain)
Shakib Al Hasan (Vice-Captain)
Abdullah Shafique
Litton Das
Mohammad Rizwan
Mushfiqur Rahim
Shaheen Afridi
Taskin Ahmed
Mehdy Hasan Miraz
Haris Rauf
Shoriful Islam

Match 12 Preview - India Vs Pakistan; Predicted XI; Fantasy XI

Match Timing: 14 October 2023 14:00

Venue: Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad

In the highly anticipated clash between India and Pakistan at the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 in Ahmedabad, India holds a significant advantage, bolstered by the composure of Rohit Sharma, the intensity of Virat Kohli, and the tactical prowess of Jasprit Bumrah. Their batting lineup, brimming with aggressive players, sets a formidable tone. The key to their success lies in effectively countering Pakistan's left-arm pacer, Shaheen Shah Afridi, especially in the initial overs.

The potential return of Shubman Gill could prove pivotal, as his aggressive style could disrupt Shaheen's rhythm early on. Pakistan's bowlers, particularly vice-captain Shadab Khan and Hasan Ali, might face a daunting task against India's strong batting lineup. This match could be an opportunity for Indian batsmen to capitalize on Pakistan's bowling vulnerabilities, especially targeting Shadab Khan and Hasan Ali.

A crucial subplot in this encounter is the battle between India's left-arm wrist-spinner, Kuldeep Yadav, and Pakistan's captain, Babar Azam. Kuldeep's regained form and his ability to deceive batsmen could pose a significant threat to Babar's batting prowess. However, for Pakistan to neutralize Kuldeep's impact, they must first navigate through the challenges posed by India's ace pacers, Bumrah and Siraj.

The selection dilemma for India revolves around the choice between R Ashwin and Shardul Thakur, with both players vying for the No. 8 slot in the batting order. The decision hinges on the pitch conditions. If the pitch favors spin, Ashwin's experience and expertise make him a viable option. On a batting-friendly surface, Shardul Thakur's aggressive batting style could prove beneficial.

In this emotionally charged contest, where historical rivalries and cricketing legacies collide, India stands as the favorite. The outcome of this match may be determined by how well India handles Shaheen Shah Afridi's early onslaught and how effectively they exploit Pakistan's bowling weaknesses. The clash between Kuldeep Yadav and Babar Azam adds an intriguing dimension, making this encounter a spectacle that cricket fans worldwide eagerly anticipate.

Predicted XIs

India

Rohit Sharma (Captain)

Shubhman Gill/Ishan Kishan

Virat Kohli

Shreyas Iyer

KL Rahul (Wicket-Keeper)

Hardik Pandya

Ravindra Jadeja

Shardul Thakur/ R. Ashwin

Jasprit Bumrah

Kuldeep Yadav

Mohammed Siraj

Pakistan

Abdullah Shafique

Imam-ul-Haq

Babar Azam (Captain)

Mohammad Rizwan (Wicket-Keeper)

Saud Shakeel

Iftikhar Ahmed

Shadab Khan

Mohammad Nawaz

Shaheen Shah Afridi

Hasan Ali

Haris Rauf

Fantasy XI

Mohammed Siraj(Captain)

Shaheen Shah Afridi (Vice-Captain)

Rohit Sharma

Virat Kohli

Abdullah Shafique

Babar Azam

Mohammad Rizwan

KL Rahul

Hardik Pandya

Haris Rauf

Jasprit Bumrah

Match 10 Preview - Australia Vs South Africa; Predicted XI; Fantasy XI

Match Timing: 12 October 2023 14:00

Venue: Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium, Lucknow

Australia, stung by their loss to India, are determined to improve their batting performance with a revamped lineup as they face an upbeat South Africa in a World Cup clash on Thursday. The five-time champions had a rough start to their campaign, losing to India by six wickets. Australia's batting lacked aggression, with only David Warner and Steve Smith crossing the 30-run mark. They struggled against India's spin attack, and the absence of a second frontline spinner added to their challenges. Marcus Stoinis, returning from injury, is set to replace Cameron Green, providing a boost to Australia's all-round abilities. 

Meanwhile, South Africa, coming off a resounding win against Sri Lanka, showcases a strong batting lineup with centurions Quinton de Kock, Rassie van der Dussen, and Aiden Markram. The Proteas have no issues facing spin, and their spinners, especially Tabraiz Shamsi and Keshav Maharaj, pose a threat to Australia's struggling batting order. South Africa's pace department is their only concern, but their psychological advantage from recent wins might play a crucial role in the match. 

Despite Australia's resilience, South Africa's confidence and form make them formidable opponents.

Predicted XIs

Australia

David Warner
Mitchell Marsh
Steve Smith
Marnus Labuschagne
Glenn Maxwell
Alex Carey (Wicket-Keeper)
Marcus Stoinis
Pat Cummins(Captain)
Mitchell Starc
Adam Zampa
Josh Hazlewood

South Africa

Quinton de Kock (Wicket-Keeper)
Temba Bavuma (Captain)
Rassie van der Dussen
Aiden Markram
Heinrich Klassen
David Miller
Marco Jansen
Tabraiz Shamsi
Keshav Maharaj
Kagiso Rabada
Lungi Ngidi

Fantasy XI

Pat Cummins(Captain)
Mitchell Starc (Vice-Captain)
David Warner
Quinton de Kock
Temba Bavuma
Aiden Markram
Heinrich Klassen
Steve Smith
Josh Hazlewood
Kagiso Rabada
Lungi Ngidi 

Match 09 Preview - India Vs Afghanistan; Predicted XI; Fantasy XI

Match Timing: 11 October 2023 14:00

Venue: Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi

In their opening match of the ODI World Cup, India faced significant pressure moments, highlighting the challenge of adapting swiftly to various playing conditions across nine different venues, as emphasized by captain Rohit Sharma. 

New Delhi's Feroz Shah Kotla, known for its high-scoring pitch, will host the match against Afghanistan. Shubman Gill's absence due to dengue opens the door for Ishan Kishan, who, along with Shreyas Iyer, will look to rectify their shot-selection issues from the previous game against Australia. Facing Afghanistan's attack might be comparatively easier, given the smaller ground dimensions that favor strokeplay. 

The match marks a homecoming for Virat Kohli, who will aim to shine alongside KL Rahul, the standout performer in India's recent matches. 

In the bowling department, India might consider bringing in Mohammad Shamior Shardul Thakur for R Ashwin, depending on the conditions. 

Meanwhile, Afghanistan, after a tough loss against Bangladesh, will rely on their spinners' strength and hope for an improved batting performance, especially from opener Rahmanullah Gurbaz. Spinner Mujeeb Zadran and Rashid Khan are key elements in Afghanistan's bowling strategy, with batters aiming for better results against Rashid in the ODI format.

Predicted XIs

India

Rohit Sharma(Captain)
Ishan Kishan
Virat Kohli
Shreyas Iyer
KL Rahul (Wicket-Keeper)
Hardik Pandya
Ravindra Jadeja
Mohammed Shami/Shardul Thakur
Kuldeep Yadav
Jasprit Bumrah
Mohammed Siraj

Afghanistan

Rahmanullah Gurbaz(Wicket-Keeper)
Ibrahim Zadran
Rahmat Shah
Hashmatullah Shahidi (Captain)
Najibullah Zadran
Mohammad Nabi
Azmatullah Omarzai
Rashid Khan
Mujeeb-ur-Rahman
Fazalhaq Farooqi
Naveen-ul-Haq

Fantasy XIs

Rohit Sharma (Captain)
Virat Kohli (Vice-Captain)
Rahmanullah Gurbaz
KL Rahul
Hardik Pandya
Ravindra Jadeja
Mohammad Nabi
Fazalhaq Farooqi
Jasprit Bumrah
Mohammed Siraj
Rashid Khan

Match 08 Preview - Pakistan Vs Sri Lanka; Predicted XI; Fantasy XI

Match Timing: 10 October 2023 14:00

Venue: Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Hyderabad

Pakistan managed a win against the Netherlands, although not the most convincing one. Their inconsistency makes them unpredictable, but they face a depleted Sri Lankan side in the World Cup match in Hyderabad on Tuesday. Despite their traditional strength against spinners, Pakistan cannot underestimate Sri Lanka's Maheesh Theekshana and Dunith Wellalage, especially after both spinners struggled against South Africa.

Pakistan, stationed in Hyderabad for over 10 days and having played warm-up games, should be acquainted with the conditions at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium. In their opening match against the Netherlands, Pakistan's top order faltered, but Mohammad Rizwan and Saud Shakeel steadied the innings, helping them reach 286 with contributions from Mohammad Nawaz and Shadab Khan.

While Pakistan's top order failed against an Associate nation, Shakeel's composure in his first World Cup game was commendable. Despite their recent shortcomings, playing in India provides an opportunity for Pakistani players to shine, motivating them to perform well. Although they scraped through against the Netherlands, Pakistan aims to elevate their game against a struggling Sri Lankan team.

On the other hand, Sri Lanka suffered a thrashing from South Africa, setting several batting records. However, their advantage lies in the players' familiarity with Indian conditions, owing to their participation in the Indian Premier League. They hope to leverage this familiarity to their benefit against Pakistan.

Predicted XIs

Pakistan

Fakhar Zaman
Imam-ul-Haq
Babar Azam(Captain)
Mohammad Rizwan(Wicket-Keeper)
Saud Shakeel
Iftikhar Ahmed
Mohammad Nawaz
Shadab Khan
Hasan Ali
Shaheen Shah Afridi
Haris Rauf

Sri Lanka

Kusal Perera
Pathum Nisssanka
Kusal Mendis (Wicket-Keeper)
Sadeera Samarawickrama
Charith Asalanka
Dhananjaya de Silva
Dasun Shanaka (Captain)
Dunith Wellalage
Maheesh Theekshana 
Matheesha Pathirana
Dilshan Madushanka/Lahiru Kumara

Fantasy XI

Babar Azam (Captain)
Charith Asalanka (Vice-Captain)
Kusal Mendis
Fakhar Zaman
Mohammad Rizwan
Saud Shakeel
Pathum Nisssanka
Shadab Khan
Shaheen Shah Afridi
Haris Rauf
Maheesh Theekshana 

Match 7 - England Vs Bangladesh Preview

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Match 06 Preview - New Zealand Vs Netherlands; Predicted XI; Fantasy XI

Match Timing: 09 October 2023 14:00

Venue: Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Hyderabad

Having already played their initial matches in the ongoing Cricket World Cup, New Zealand, and the Netherlands are set to face each other on Monday, entering the tournament's deeper phase.

In their opening encounter, New Zealand faced defending champions England, defeating the 2019 winners by nine wickets and showcasing their determination to progress in the tournament. Despite England posting a competitive 282 for nine, New Zealand successfully chased down the target in 36.2 overs, with Devon Conway (152 not out) and Rachin Ravindra (123 not out) delivering stellar performances. Notably, New Zealand achieved this victory without their regular captain Kane Williamson, who is still recovering from an ACL injury sustained during the IPL earlier this year. Tom Latham, who led the team against England, will continue as captain against the Netherlands, as Williamson is yet to regain full match fitness, according to Kiwi head coach Gary Stead.

Tim Southee's participation remains uncertain due to his recovery from a broken and dislocated thumb, but fellow speedster Lockie Ferguson is expected to be available pending a fitness test on Sunday.

On the other hand, the Netherlands faced a challenging match against Pakistan, which they lost by 81 runs. Despite early success in dismissing three Pakistani batters during the powerplay, the Dutch team fell short. While their bowling appears stable, the Dutch batting, particularly in the middle order, lacks consistency. Captain Scott Edwards has struggled to reach the 30-run mark in the last four ODIs.

In their previous encounters in this format, New Zealand has won all four matches against the Netherlands.

Predicted XIs

New Zealand

Devon Conway
Will Young
Rachin Ravindra
Daryl Mitchell
Tom Latham (Captain & WicketKeeper)
Glenn Phillips
Mark Chapman
Mitchell Santner
Lockie Ferguson
Matt Henry
Trent Boult

Netherlands

Vikramjit Singh
Max O'Dowd
Colin Ackerman
Bas de Leede
Teja Nidamanuru
Scott Edwards (Captain & Wicket-Keeper)
Saqib Zulfiqar
Roelof van der Merwe
Aryan Dutt
Paul van Meekeren
Logan van Beek/Ryan Klein

Fantasy XI

Devon Conway(Captain)
Bas de Leede(Vice-Captain)
Vikramjit Singh
Rachin Ravindra
Daryl Mitchell
Teja Nidamanuru
Glenn Phillips
Roelof van der Merwe
Matt Henry
Trent Boult
Aryan Dutt

Match 5 - India Vs Australia Preview

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Match 04 Preview - South Africa Vs Sri Lanka; Predicted XI; Fantasy XI

Match Timing: 07 October 2023 14:00

Venue: Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi

Facing injury challenges, both South Africa and Sri Lanka are counting on their experienced players to deliver a victorious start in the World Cup clash on Saturday.

South Africa is missing pacers Anrich Nortje and Sisanda Magala, while Sri Lanka has lost key players like leg-spinner Wanindu Hasaranga, along with frontline pacers Dushmantha Chameera and Lahiru Madushanka. In Nortje's absence, South Africa will rely on Kagiso Rabada's experience and 23-year-old Gerald Coetzee's energy. Spinners Keshav Maharaj and Tabraiz Shamsi, who performed well against Australia, aim to improve their India track record. David Miller's powerful hitting and captain Temba Bavuma's form make them strong, especially with Bavuma partnering with Quinton de Kock at the top. Henrich Klaasen's aggressive approach could be South Africa's trump card in their quest for their first ICC trophy. Despite missing key bowlers, Sri Lanka will depend on spinners Maheesh Theekshana and left-arm spinner Dunith Wellalage for wickets. Lahiru Kumara, Dilshan Madushanka, Matheesha Pathirana, and Kasun Rajith will handle pace duties.

Sri Lanka's batting unit, featuring Dimuth Karunaratne, Kusal Perera, Pathum Nissanka, and Sadeera Samarawickrama, is solid. Kusal Mendis, known for his big hits, adds depth. However, concerns loom over opener Pathum Nissanka and captain Dasun Shanaka's form. Despite recent injury struggles, Shanaka expressed the team's determination to perform well in the tournament, emphasizing their collective effort to make a statement at the World Cup.

Predicted XIs

South Africa

Temba Bavuma(Captain)
Quinton de Kock(Wicket-Keeper)
Rassie van der Dussen
Aiden Markram
David Miller
Heinrich Klaasen
Marco Jansen
Kagiso Rabada
Keshav Maharaj
Lungi Ngidi
Tabraiz Shamsi

Sri Lanka

Pathum Nissanka
Kusal Perera
Kusal Mendis(Wicket-Keeper)
Sadeera Samarawickrama
Charith Asalanka
Dhananjaya de Silva
Dasun Shanaka(Captain)
Dunith Wellalage
Matheesha Pathirana
Maheesh Theekshana
Lahiru Kumara

Fantasy XI

Quinton de Kock(Captain)
Dunith Wellalage(Vice-Captain)
Temba Bavuma
Kusal Mendis
Heinrich Klaasen
Aiden Markram
Charith Asalanka
Kagiso Rabada
Lungi Ngidi
Matheesha Pathirana
Maheesh Theekshana 

Match 03 Preview - Bangladesh Vs Afghanistan; Predicted XI; Fantasy XI

Match Timing: 07 October 2023 10:30

Venue: HPCA Stadium, Dharamsala

Amidst internal conflicts, Bangladesh faces a daunting task in their World Cup opener against Afghanistan, with both teams aiming for a breakthrough campaign after years of high-level experience. Bangladesh, traditionally competitive in white-ball formats, has been plagued by discord between its key players, skipper Shakib al Hasan and Tamim Iqbal. Tamim's exclusion from the World Cup squad sparked a public feud, leading to verbal spats and accusations. Injuries to several players have further complicated Bangladesh's preparations, as they seek consistency in ODIs.

Despite the challenges, Bangladesh boasts experienced players like Shakib, pacer Mustafizur Rahman, and wicketkeeper-batters Mushfiqur Rahim and Litton Das, along with emerging talents such as Najmul Shanto and Taskin Ahmed. Their spin bowling unit, featuring Shakib, Mehidy Miraz, Mahedi Hasan, and Nasum Ahmed, poses a threat on helpful surfaces. The fast-bowling unit, led by veteran Mustafizur, also adds depth.

However, with Tamim absent, Bangladesh faces the task of finding a suitable second opener. Meanwhile, Afghanistan, since gaining ICC full membership in 2017, has made progress as a cricketing nation but seeks a breakout performance in global events. Despite their modest World Cup record, they have challenged heavyweights like India and Pakistan in past editions. Led by Hashmatullah Shahidi, Afghanistan relies on spinners Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, and Noor Ahmad. Nabi's all-round skills and Mujeeb's new ball expertise are crucial for Afghanistan, who must maintain batting consistency to make an impact.

Predicted XIs

Bangladesh

Tanzid Hasan
Litton Das
Najmul Hossain Shanto
Shakib Al Hasan (Captain)
Towhid Hridoy
Mushfiqur Rahim (Wicket-Keeper)
Mehidy Hasan Miraz
Nasum Ahmed/Mahmudullah
Taskin Ahmed
Hasan Mahmud
Mustafizur Rahman

Afghanistan

Rahmanullah Gurbaz(Wicket-Keeper)
Ibrahim Zadran
Rahmat Shah
Hashmatullah Shahidi (Captain)
Najibullah Zadran
Mohammad Nabi
Azmatullah Omarzai
Rashid Khan
Mujeeb Ur Rahman
Fazalhaq Farooqi
Naveen-ul-Haq/Noor Ahmad

Fantasy XI

Shakib Al Hasan (Captain)
Rahmanullah Gurbaz (Vice-Captain)
Litton Das
Najmul Hossain Shanto
Rahmat Shah
Mushfiqur Rahim
Mohammad Nabi
Mehidy Hasan Miraz
Taskin Ahmed
Rashid Khan
Fazalhaq Farooqi 

Match 02 Preview - Pakistan Vs Netherlands; Predicted XI; Fantasy XI

Match Timing: 06 October 2023 14:00

Venue: Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Hyderabad, India

In the upcoming ICC ODI World Cup 2023, the Babar Azam-led Pakistan team is set to face the Netherlands in the 2nd Match of the tournament. Despite facing challenges such as absentees and injuries, the 1992 champions are determined to make a strong impact in the competition. Star bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi, along with other pace bowlers, aims to leave a significant mark in the tournament. It will be Babar Azam's debut appearance in India, providing him with an opportunity to showcase his exceptional batting skills to the Indian fans.

On the other hand, the Netherlands, led by Scott Edwards, is eager to prove their worth at the ODI World Cup 2023. Experienced players like Colin Ackermann, Max ODowd, and Roelof van der Merwe add depth to their lineup. Additionally, the standout performer in the Qualifiers, Logan van Beek, is expected to play a crucial role for the Dutch team in the tournament.

Injury Concerns:

No injury concerns for either Pakistan and the Netherlands

Predicted XIs

Pakistan

Fakhar Zaman
Imam-ul-Haq
Babar Azam (Captain)
Mohammad Rizwan (Wicket-Keeper)
Agha Salman
Iftikhar Ahmed
Mohammad Nawaz
Shadab Khan
Shaheen Shah Afridi
Haris Rauf
Hasan Ali

Netherlands

Vikramjit Singh
Max O'Dowd
Wesley Barresi
Bas de Leede
Teja Nidamanuru
Scott Edwards(captain)
Saqib Zulfiqar
Roelof van der Merwe
Ryan Klein
Aryan Dutt
Logan van Beek

Fantasy XI

Babar Azam (Captain)
Shaheen Shah Afridi (Vice-Captain)
Fakhar Zaman
Imam-ul-Haq
Mohammad Rizwan
Bas de Leede
Teja Nidamanuru
Iftikhar Ahmed
Roelof van der Merwe
Shadab Khan
Haris Rauf

ICC World Cup 2023 team preview - Pakistan

 Pakistan has historically been a strong side in the world tournaments. This year is no different, and they will certainly look to show their mettle in the biggest tournament.

The top order looks formidable with Fakhar Zaman, Imam-ul-Haq, and Babr Azam. They certainly are among the best top 3 going around. There are a few concerns about Fakhar's lack of form, but he is a big-match player and will certainly turn out with all guns blazing. Imam has been more of an accumulator, holding one end as Fakhar goes on to attack. Then you have the No.1 ODI batsman, Babar Azam, coming out at No.3.

There were a few concerns about who would be No.4, but that seems to have been resolved with Mohammad Rizwan taking up that role with good success. Saud Shakeel and Agha Salman will fight it out for the No.5 slot; Salman is ahead of Shakeel due to the few overs of off-spin that he can offer, but Shakeel is a more accomplished batsman. Iftikhar Ahmed will slot in at No.6 and he has been in good nick on the back of a century in the Asia Cup. Overall the middle order looks pretty decent enough, but is still heavily reliant on the start given by the top 3.

Iftikhar will need to step up the scoring rate in the final overs, and he has done it decently well. The late hitting will be carried out by Shadab Khan and Mohammad Nawaz. Both Shadab and Nawaz can bat in the death overs and score at a brisk rate.

They have only one wicket-keeper in the side i.e., Mohammad Rizwan. It would be interesting to see who will keep the wickets if Rizwan misses a game due to any reason.

The bowling looks good even in the absence of Naseem Shah. The pace bowling will be led by Shaheen Shah Afridi and Haris Rauf. Hasan Ali and Mohammad Wasim Jr. will fight out for the 3rd seamer's spot; Hasan looks like a better option with his experience in the big tournaments. Afridi offers the left-arm angle and also swings the bowl at a brisk pace; Rauf on the other hand is known for bowling the thunderbolts and he holds the key in the middle and the death overs bolwing. Ali and Wasim are known for their swing and seam movements and can be handy with the new ball if the conditions favor the pacers.

Pakistan looks thin on the spin department. They had the leg spinners, Shadab Khan and Usama Mir, and their lead spinners. Mohammad Nawaz offers the left-arm slow bowling option. They hope that Shadab comes back to his best and helps them in making the best use of Indian conditions. Shabad and Nawaz will be the first choice pair and Mir will be the backup option. Salman and Iftikhar can roll their arm over if the conditions favor them. 

Expectations

They have to fight with South Africa and New Zealand for the top 4 finish

15-man squad

Batsman

Babar Azam
Abdullah Shafique
Fakhar Zaman
Iftikhar Ahmed
Imam-ul-Haq
Saud Shakeel

Wicket Keepers

Mohammad Rizwan

All-Rounders

Agha Salman
Mohammad Nawaz
Mohammad Wasim
Shadab Khan

Bowlers

Shaheen Shah Afridi
Haris Rauf
Hasan Ali
Usama Mir

Probable Playing XI:

Fakhar Zaman
Imam-ul-Haq
Babar Azam (C)
Mohammad Rizwan (WK)
Agha Salman
Iftikhar Ahmed
Mohammad Nawaz
Shadab Khan
Shaheen Shah Afridi
Haris Rauf
Hasan Ali

ICC World Cup 2023 team preview - Sri Lanka

 Once a powerhouse in world cricket, the Sri Lankan team no longer has that domination in the world cricket. The retirement of the greats and not finding suitable candidates to replace them leaves Sri Lanka in a not-so-good situation. 

Pathum Nissanka will be one of the openers, and he will be partnered by Dimuth Karunaratne or Kusal Perera at the top. Perera pips Karunaratne due to his more attacking game and with the pitches expected to be flat tracks, they need to have players who can attack from the beginning. 

The middle order comprises of Kusal Mendis, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Charith Asalanka, and Dhananjaya de Silva. Samarawickrama and Asalanka are in good touch and are quite consistent with their scoring. Mendis and de Silva are a treat to watch, but they need to be more consistent if Sri Lanka has to make it far.

Skipper Dasun Shanaka will be tasked with the responsibility of providing big hits in the last vers along with de Silva. The young Dunith Wellalage will play the supporting act in the absence of Wanindu Hasaranga.

The pace attack will be led by Lahiru Kumara and the baby Malinga Maheesh Theekshana. The loss of Dushmanta Chameera is a big blow to this team, but they have the likes of Kumara, Theekshana, Dilshan Madushanka, and Kasun Rajitha. Madhushanka and Rajitha will be the backup seamers. 

The spin attack is again depleted by the absence of Wanindu Hasaranga. But the good thing is that the form of Dunith Wellalage and Matheesha Pathirana would give the confidence to do well in the spin conditions. They also have the likes of Asalanka and de Silva who can chip in with the overs of spin.

Expectations

They can give a hard time to the top sides, but will likely finish in the middle of the table.

15-mam squad

Batsmen

Dimuth Karunaratne
Pathum Nissanka

Wicket Keepers

Kusal Mendis
Kusal Perera
Sadeera Samarawickrama

All-Rounders

Dasun Shanaka
Charith Asalanka
Dhananjaya de Silva
Dushan Hemantha

Bowlers

Lahiru Kumara
Dilshan Madushanka
Matheesha Pathirana
Kasun Rajitha
Maheesh Theekshana
Dunith Wellalage

Probable Playing XI:

Pathum Nissanka
Kusal Perera
Kusal Mendis(WK)
Sadeera Samarawickrama
Charith Asalanka
Dhananjaya de Silva
Dasun Shanaka(C)
Dunith Wellalage
Matheesha Pathirana
Maheesh Theekshana
Lahiru Kumara

ICC World Cup 2023 team preview - South Africa

1992, 1999, 2007, 2015. Do you know what is common in all these World Cups? South Africa was knocked out of the semi-finals in each of these events. The Proteas have always been a strong force in the international cricket. Their loss in each of the above-mentioned events has been really heart-breaking. All the matches except the 2007 loss were thrilling and the Proteas lost narrowly. 

Come to 2023, South Africa has for quite some time been struggling to find a long-term captain since the ouster of Faf du Plessis. Quinton de Kock was looked upon as a long-term solution, but he gave up the armband as it was really difficult to be the captain, wicketkeeper, and the main batsman of the team. In the meantime, he also retired from the test cricket. Temba Bavuma was made the captain, but he was always under threat to keep his place in the XI. The fortunes turned after the 2022 T20 World Cup; Bavuma was removed as T20 captain but was retained as the ODI captain. The confidence that the management has shown in him gave fruitful results. Bavuma has so far been in excellent form in limited-overs cricket. He has become the backbone of the South African ODI team.

Temba Bavuma and Quinton de Kock form one of the most successful opening pairs at present. de Kock is an aggressive player and looks to take on the opposition bowlers and he certainly is one of the most feared batsmen in the current era. Bavuma at the other end complements him with his accumulation, and once he is set he can take the bowlers on. Reeza Hendricks is the backup batter and can play in the middle order as well. 

The middle-order responsibility will be shouldered by the consistent Rassie van der Dussen and Aiden Markram. van der Dussen has been very consistent since his arrival on the international stage and will play an important role if South Africa has to make it to the top 4. Markram was touted to be the next-best batsman in South Africa, but his inconsistency has always been a talking point. But, in the last year, he has been quite consistent and that too at a scoring rate that will boost South Africa's chances to make it far into the tournament. 

David Miller and Heinrich Klaasen are two of the most dangerous finishers going around in the world of cricket currently. Klassen can also bat and build the innings and when he breaks free, he can take the match away in a matter of few overs. Miller too has been in great touch and will give you the cushion of 15-20 extra runs in the death overs. Marco Jansen is also an abled batsman and can give vital runs at the end of the innings. Then there is Kagiso Rabada who can swing his bat too and so can Keshav Maharaj.

The pace bowling looks to be well-stocked despite the absence of Anrich Nortje. The likes of Kagiso Rabada and Lungi Ngidi bowl fast and make the batsmen struggle with the movement. Marco Jansen is another one who will cause problems for the batsmen with the bounce he generates due to his height. Gerald Coetzee and Lizaad Williams will be the backup pacers should any of them not play due to any unforeseen events. Andile Phehlukwayo is a good all-round option, but Jansen pips him for the all-rounder spot in the first-choice playing XI. 

The pitches in India demand the teams play 2 spinners and the Proteas have 2 very good spinners who offer different angles - Keshav Maharaj and Tabraiz Shamsi. In all likelihood, Maharaj and Shamsi will play the majority of the matches together and they will also have the part-time spin of Aiden Markram should the conditions favor spinners.  

15-man squad

Batsmen

Temba Bavuma(Captain)
Reeza Hendricks
David Miller
Aiden Markram
Rassie van der Dussen

Wicket-Keepers

Quinton de Kock
Heinrich Klaasen

All-Rounders

Marco Jansen
Andile Phehlukwayo

Bowlers

Kagiso Rabada
Lungi Ngidi
Gerald Coetzee
Lizaad Williams
Keshav Maharaj
Tabraiz Shamsi

Probable Playing XI:

Temba Bavuma(C)
Quinton de Kock(WK)
Rassie van der Dussen
Aiden Markram
David Miller
Heinrich Klaasen
Marco Jansen
Kagiso Rabada
Keshav Maharaj
Lungi Ngidi
Tabraiz Shamsi

ICC World Cup 2023 team preview - Bangladesh

 Bangladesh would come to the World Cup on the back of a controversy around Tamim Iqbal. Tamim, the most successful batsman that Bangladesh has ever produced, was not selected for the World Cup. Time will only tell if that was a good decision to make.

In Tamim's absence, they might struggle to find a good opening partner for Litton Das. Das has been the most successful Bangladesh batsman in the last 2 years and he also scores runs at a fast rate, but not having Tamim on the other end will definitely add extra pressure on him. Tanzid Hasan is the designated opener, but his record in the limited chances he received is not compelling and he might just be the backup opener. The warm-up games will give him a chance to prove his mettle. If Tanzid does not make the best of the opportunities in the warmup games, Bangladesh might have to trust Mehdy Hasan Miraz to open the innings as he did recently in the Asia Cup where he scored a century against Afghanistan. If Miraz performs well, then Das and Miraz can certainly form a potent opening pair.

Their middle order is one of the most experienced in the tournament with the likes of Shakib-Al-Hasan, Mushfiqur Rahim, and Mahmudullah Riyad. The addition of Najmul Hossain Shanto and Towhid Hridoy will lend balance to their team. Shakib is among their most important batsmen and he will hope to replicate his performance from the last World Cup where he scored over 600 runs with 2 100s and 5 50s. Shanto is an accumulator and will bring solidity to the middle order with his ability to play long innings; he has been playing really well in the lead-up to the event. Hridoy is one of the most exciting players in the Bangladesh team. His ability to score quickly in the middle overs will give the Bangla Tigers an advantage.  

The veterans, Mushfiqur Rahim and Mahmudullah, will don the role of finishers. Rahim has been batting at No.6 for over a year now and he has been performing well in that role. Mahmudullah was out of the side for some time now, but with the omission of Tamim, the management seems to have called back him to have some experience in the team. Mahmudullah might not be the same player he used to be before, but he will certainly give the team a good finish and in the event of a batting collapse he can certainly hold one end up and keep the scoreboard moving.

Bangladesh's pace bowling has increased leaps and bounds in the last few years. Taskin Ahmed and Hasan Mahmud will lead the pace attack that also comprises Mustafizur Rahman, Shoriful Islam, and Tanzim Hasan.  Sakib. Taskin has been one of the vital cogs in Bangladesh's rise at the international level. Spin, as always, will be Bangladesh's major weapon. They have the all-round duo of Shakib Al Hasan and Mehdy Hasan Miraz along with the economical Nasum Ahmed. Add the quality of Mahedi Hasan and that makes them one of the spin-dominant attacks to watch out for.

15-man squad

Batsmen

Najmul Hossain Shanto
Tanzid Hasan
Towhid Hridoy

Wicket Keepers

Mushfiqur Rahim
Litton Das

All-Rounders

Shakib Al Hasan
Mahedi Hasan
Mahmudullah
Mehidy Hasan Miraz

Bowlers

Taskin Ahmed
Hasan Mahmud
Mustafizur Rahman
Shoriful Islam
Tanzim Hasan Sakib
Nasum Ahmed

Probable Playing XI

Mehidy Hasan Miraz
Litton Das
Najmul Hossain Shanto
Shakib Al Hasan
Towhid Hridoy
Mushfiqur Rahim
Mahmudullah
Nasum Ahmed
Taskin Ahmed
Hasan Mahmud
Mustafizur Rahman

Match 01 Preview - England Vs New Zealand; Predicted XI; Fantasy XI

Match Timing: 05 October 2023 14:00

Venue: Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad, India

England, the reigning champions of the white ball format, are set to begin the quest to defend their 50-over World Cup title against New Zealand, the team they faced in the 2019 final. Despite being an aging side, England, led by Jos Buttler, are formidable contenders, having clinched the T20 World Cup recently. New Zealand, on the other hand, faces challenges due to injuries, with captain Kane Williamson and senior pacer Tim Southee recovering from surgeries.

The match will be played on the batting-friendly Ahmedabad pitch, which favors England's aggressive batting lineup, strengthened further by Ben Stokes' return from retirement. With explosive players like Liam Livingstone, Dawid Malan, and Harry Brook, alongside experienced names like Joe Root, Jos Buttler and Jonny Bairstow, England boasts one of the longest batting orders. Their IPL exposure adds to their adaptability in different conditions.

England's bowling attack, featuring pacers like Mark Wood and leg-spinner Adil Rashid, gives them an edge, although they miss the services of leading wicket-taker of the last edition Jofra Archer, who is on a comeback trail. New Zealand, missing key players, relies on Daryl Mitchell, Devon Conway, and Tom Latham, although Latham's recent form raises concerns. Hard hitters like James Neesham and Glenn Phillips, along with in-form batsman Will Young, provide some strength

While England seems stronger on paper, past records suggest that matches between England and New Zealand are unpredictable, making the outcome uncertain despite England's recent series win.

Injury update

Ben Stokes is a doubtful starter for England. Kane Williamson and Tim Southee will miss the first game for New Zealand

Probable Playing XI

England: 

Jonny Bairstow
Dawid Malan
Joe Root
Ben Stokes/ Harry Brook
Jos Buttler(Captain & Wicket-Keeper)
Liam Livingstone
Moeen Ali
Sam Curran
Chris Woakes
Adil Rashid
Mark Wood

New Zealand

Devon Conway
Will Young
Mark Chapman/James Neesham
Daryl Mitchell
Tom Latham(Captain & Wicket-Keeper)
Glenn Phillips
Mitchell Santner
Matt Henry
Ish Sodhi
Trent Boult
Lockie Ferguson

-----------------

Fantasy XI

Jonny Bairstow(captain)
Devon Conway(vice-captain)
Joe Root
Daryl Mitchell
Jos Buttler
Liam Livingstone
Moeen Ali
Lockie Ferguson
Adil Rashid
Trent Boult
Mark Wood

ICC World Cup 2023 team preview - New Zealand

 New Zealand has made it to finals in the last 2 World Cups only to lose the final. Particularly, the scars of the loss in the super-over of the 2019 World Cup will not be healed easily. New Zealand will hope to go one better this time.

Devon Conway and Will Young are relatively new in terms of the number of times they opened together. Conway had a successful stint with the Chennai Super Kings and that will give him a definite advantage of scoring big in the tournament. Young is relatively new, but has impressed one and all in the limited options that he has received. They don't have any backup opener. Rachin Ravindra has opened in one of the warmup games, and that gives us the hint that he could be the backup opener.

Middle order is very strong comprising the trio of skipper Kane Williamson, his deputy Tom Latham, and the man in the form of his life Daryl Mitchell. There was an injury scare and Williamson's participation in the World Cup was in jeopardy, but he seems to be on his way back into the team from the Blackcaps' second match. He will look to continue to build on his rich World Cup record and complete the 1000 runs in World Cups. Daryl Mitchell has been in great form in the last 2 years and his record in ODI cricket is good. On top of that, he also offers a gentle medium pace and can get the crucial wickets. Vice-captain Latham will be leading the side in the first match in the skipper's absence and he is a reliable option to hold one end up if the wickets fall early and he can up the scoring rate when the platform is laid.

Glenn Phillips is the designated finisher for the Blackcaps. He can be very aggressive and can hit big sixes in the death overs. He can also chip in with his off-spin if the conditions favor spinners; plus he can also keep the wickets if the need arises. Basically, he can do anything on the field. Mitchell Santner will also be expected to score a few runs in the late innings.

There are plenty of wicket-keeping options for the Balck caps. Tom Latham is the first-choice wicket-keeper; Devon Conway and Glenn Phillips are also specialist wicket-keepers and they will be the backup keepers in the squad. All 3 of them are likely to feature in the playing eleven.

The return of Trent Boult has bolstered the pace attack of New Zealand; His exploits from the last two world cups played an important role in New Zealand reaching the finals. He will be partnered by Tim Southee, Lockie Ferguson, and Matt Henry. Southee, like Williamson, was a doubtful starter for the World Cup, but his progress seems to be going and it is expected that he will miss the first 2 matches and will be available for selection thereafter. The likes of James Neesham and Daryl Mitchell will give some medium pace in the middle overs.

Ish Sodhi will be the primary spinner in the team. His recent exploits in Bangladesh will give him confidence going into the World Cup. The secondary spinner role will be performed by Mitchell Santner, a left-arm orthodox bowler. Rachin Ravindra is another spinner, but most likely will be confined to the backup role.

Expectations: They will fight with Pakistan and South Africa to make it to the top 4

15-man squad

Batsmen

Kane Williamson (Captain)
Will Young

Wicket Keepers

Tom Latham (Vice-captain)
Devon Conway
Glenn Phillips

All-Rounders

Mark Chapman
Daryl Mitchell
James Neesham
Rachin Ravindra
Mitchell Santner

Bowlers

Trent Boult
Lockie Ferguson
Matt Henry
Ish Sodhi
Tim Southee

Probable Playing XI

Devon Conway
Will Young
Kane Williamson(C)
Daryl Mitchell
Tom Latham (WK)
Glenn Phillips
Mitchell Santner
Tim Southee
Ish Sodhi
Trent Boult
Lockie Ferguson

ICC World Cup 2023 team preview - England

England probably has the most destructive batting line-up in this tournament. The 2015 World Cup is considered one of the lowest phases of the England team's ODI history. They transformed themselves into a great ODI team and went on to win the next event(the 2019 World Cup) showing their mettle. The defending champions will certainly start as one of the favorites to win the tournament.

The opening combination of Jonny Bairstow and Dawid Malan is one of the most destructive pairs going around. The star of the last World Cup. Jason Roy, could not find a place in the World Cup squad. Bairstow has the experience and has delivered it in the last World Cup, and Malan is young and has been consistent in the limited chances that he has received. Moeen Ali should be the backup option should any of the openers miss any match due to any unforeseen event.

The return of Ben Stokes from the ODI retirement is the highlight of this English squad, and he will lend solidity to the already strong English middle order. How many overs he can bowl in the tournament will be a topic of discussion, as he was scarcely used in the Ashes. Joe Root, as usual, will be the No.3 and despite his attacking game, he is the player who can hold the one end up showing the attacking game that England plays now. Then you have the skipper Jos Buttler who can demolish any attack in the world in the middle overs. Harry Brook is one of the most exciting players in the World Cup; Although he might not be part of the playing XI, he will surely be required at some stage in the tournament.

Liam Livingstone is expected to be the late-over fireworks. He can be devastating for the opposition with his hitting ability. Moeen Ali and Sam Curran are the other late-order hitters.

The wicket-keeping duties will be donned by the captain Jos Buttler and Jonny Bairstow will be the backup keeper. Both of them would feature in the first choice playing eleven though.

The pace bowling will be spearheaded by Mark Wood. Wood is one of the fastest bowlers going around and is one of the most deadly bowlers as well; he will certainly look to improve his ODI numbers though. Chris Woakes has the ability to swing the ball and would be an asset in the subcontinent conditions; he would be Wood's new-ball partner in the first-choice eleven. Sam Curran would give the left-arm angle to the bowling attack and like many others, he also has the experience of playing in the IPL with good success.  here are other pacers, like, Reece Topley and the exciting Gus Aykinson; both of them would be expected to play a few matches as England is likely to rotate the bowlers throughout the tournament. Ben Stokes, if he bowls, can perform the role of the fourth pacer in the team.

The spin attack will revolve around the leg-spinner Adil Rashid. He has all the variations and would certainly be a bowler to watch out for in this tournament. Moeen Ali would be pairing up with him to offer a few overs of spin. So does Joe Root if the conditions demand. 

Expectations: They will most likely make it to the top 4.

15-an squad

Batsmen

Harry Brook
Dawid Malan
Joe Root

Wicket Keepers

Jos Buttler
Jonny Bairstow

All-Rounders

Moeen Ali
Sam Curran
Liam Livingstone
Ben Stokes
David Willey
Chris Woakes

Bowlers

Gus Atkinson
Adil Rashid
Reece Topley
Mark Wood

Probable Playing XI

Jonny Bairstow
Dawid Malan
Joe Root
Ben Stokes
Jos Buttler
Liam Livingstone
Moeen Ali
Sam Curran
Chris Woakes
Adil Rashid
Mark Wood