England will take on Pakistan in match number 44 of the World Cup 2023 at the iconic Eden Gardens in Kolkata on Saturday, November 11. This will be the second match of the double-header. While England are in seventh position in the points table, with four points from eight games and a run rate of -0.885, Pakistan are fifth with eight points from eight matches and a run rate of +0.036.

England have been eliminated from the top four race, while Pakistan are also on the brink of elimination. The mathematical possibility that hasn’t seen the E-letter against Pakistan’s name is a Herculean task, to say the least. England’s main aim in their final league clash of the tournament will be to secure a victory and stay alive for the 2025 Champions Trophy qualification. Their hopes must have received a boost following their impressive 160-run win over Netherlands, coming up with a good all-round show.

As for Pakistan, skipper Babar Azam said at the pre-match press conference that they will try and push up their net run rate. If we look at things practically, though, if Pakistan score 300, they need to restrict England to 13 runs. Here are player battles to watch out for in the England-Pakistan clash.

Fakhar Zaman vs David Willey

Fakhar Zaman has lit up the 2023 World Cup following a late comeback after being dropped early in the tournament. Pakistan might be wondering if their fortunes would have been different had they backed Fakhar’s experience and talent. The 33-year-old went into the World Cup with poor form against his name and was axed from the playing XI after being dismissed for 12 against the Netherlands. Since making a comeback to the team, he has smashed 81 and 126 not out, looking in great hitting rhythm.

England’s left-arm pacer David Willey will be playing his last game for the nation, having announced his international retirement midway through the tournament. He will, obviously, be keen to sign off on a high. The all-rounder has done a decent job for England with the ball, claiming eight wickets in five matches. Willey claimed a three-for against India, two against Sri Lanka, and picked up 2/19 against Netherlands. Can he knock over Fakhar cheaply?

Dawid Malan vs Shaheen Afridi

Dawid Malan admitted in the pre-match press conference that the game against Pakistan could be the last international match for England. At 36, the seasoned left-hander is unsure what his future holds. Malan has had a decent World Cup for England without being outstanding. In eight innings, he has scored 373 runs at an average of 46.62 and a strike rate of 103.32. Malan has one hundred to his credit and has struck consecutive fifties in the last two matches. Can he make it a hat-trick of good scores?

The England opener will be in for a challenge against Shaheen Afridi at the start of the innings. The Pakistan left-arm pacer has been one of the standout performers for the team in what has been a disappointing tournament overall. He has picked up 16 wickets in eight matches at an average of 25.56. Afridi claimed a five-for against Australia and three wickets each against South Africa and Bangladesh, respectively. However, he had a forgettable game against New Zealand, as he was pounded for 90 runs in his 10 overs. He will look to recover against England. Getting Malan early would be a good start.

Babar Azam vs Adil Rashid

Pakistan captain Babar Azam has been among the runs in the 2023 World Cup. But what has been disappointing is that he hasn’t been assertive enough, differentiating him from the likes of Quinton de Kock and Virat Kohli in the tournament. In eight innings, the right-handed batter has scored 282 runs at an average of 40.28 and a strike rate of 82.69. He has notched up four half-centuries but with a best of 74, which is too low as per his standards. Babar will be keen to sign off from the World Cup on a high. A big innings is around the corner?

England leg-spinner Adil Rashid has done a decent job for the team amid all the ruins. He has claimed 13 wickets in eight matches at an average of 27.54. The 35-year-old has gone wicketless in only one of the last five matches. He claimed 2/61 against South Africa, two wickets each against India and Australia, and a three-for against Netherlands. Rashid likes the challenge of bowling to big names. As such, he should enjoy the battle against the Pakistan skipper. It remains to be seen who comes out on top in the clash.

Ben Stokes vs Mohammad Wasim Jr

England’s talismanic all-rounder Ben Stokes is too good a player to miss out on performing in a World Cup. It may be a case of too little, too late, but it has come nonetheless. The star England cricketer, who missed the team’s initial matches due to injury, looked out of sorts on a comeback. He made five against South Africa, a labored 43 against Sri Lanka, and a clueless 0 against India. In the match versus Australia, he also took 90 balls for his 64. However, Stokes was assertive in his ton against the Netherlands.

Mohammad Wasim Jr has often been impressive when playing for Pakistan. The 2023 World Cup has been no different. In three matches, he has registered figures of 2/50, 3/31 and 3/60. The pacer likes accepting challenges. Bowling to Stokes will be one.

Mohammad Rizwan vs Chris Woakes

Mohammad Rizwan started the World Cup with a bang but has lost his way since then. Since his ton against Sri Lanka, he has registered scores of 49, 46, 8, 31, and 26 not out. There have been starts, but Pakistan are expecting much more from him. Can he sign off on a high?

Chris Woakes has impressed with the ball for England in recent games. He claimed two wickets against India and followed it up with a four-for against Australia. Woakes also chipped in with a scalp against the Netherlands. Can he dismiss Rizwan early and carry on his good form?

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In the pulsating realm of international cricket, few names echo with the same resonance and reverence as Virat Kohli. As the ICC World Cup 2023 finals loom on the horizon, Kohli’s remarkable journey through the cricketing world stands as a testament to his unparalleled skill, unwavering determination, and an unquenchable thirst for success. Captaining India until recently, Kohli’s legacy in the sport extends far beyond his captaincy tenure. He has etched his name in the annals of cricketing history with an astounding record of 79 centuries and 136 half-centuries across formats. His monumental achievement of equalling Sachin Tendulkar’s record of 49 centuries in One Day Internationals (ODIs) during the ongoing World Cup further cements his status as a cricketing icon.

Kohli’s recent century against South Africa at the iconic Eden Gardens underscored his consistency and showcased his ability to handle pressure in high-stakes situations. With this century, he equalled Tendulkar’s record and demonstrated his unwavering focus and class. Kohli’s contribution to India’s journey in the World Cup has been pivotal, with a staggering 550 runs in eight innings, including two centuries, making him the tournament’s second-highest run-scorer. His ability to convert starts into substantial innings and anchor the team has been crucial in India’s successful campaign, propelling them into the semi-finals with an impeccable record of 8 wins out of 8 matches.

Beyond the statistics, Kohli’s influence on the team transcends the boundaries of the pitch. His intensity, passion, and commitment serve as a driving force, inspiring his teammates to push their limits and strive for excellence. Even without the captain’s armband, Kohli’s presence on the field is synonymous with leadership. His tactical acumen and exceptional batting skills have made him a beacon of hope for Indian cricket, especially in challenging situations.

Kohli’s international career, spanning formats and continents, paints a portrait of sheer brilliance and unwavering commitment. His hunger for runs, combined with a relentless pursuit of excellence, has set him apart as one of the greatest batsmen of his generation. His adaptability to various playing conditions and his ability to perform consistently against top bowling attacks have solidified his reputation as a master craftsman of the game.

Moreover, Kohli’s dedication to fitness and mental conditioning has revolutionized cricket in India. He has redefined the standards of athleticism, inspiring a generation of cricketers to prioritize physical and mental well-being. His discipline and perseverance serve as a testament to the importance of holistic development in professional sports.

Off the field, Kohli’s humility and sportsmanship have endeared him to fans worldwide. He carries the weight of expectations with grace, often acknowledging the support of his teammates and fans. His philanthropic endeavors and efforts to promote sports at the grassroots level reflect his commitment to giving back to the game, making him a household name.

As the cricketing world eagerly anticipates the ICC World Cup 2023 finals, Virat Kohli stands as the epitome of cricketing greatness. His journey, marked by records, accolades, and unwavering passion, embodies the spirit of the sport. Whether it’s his celebrated centuries, his fiery captaincy, or his inspiring comebacks, Kohli’s contributions have not only shaped Indian cricket but have also left an indelible mark on the international stage.

In the grand tapestry of international cricket, Virat Kohli’s journey transcends mere statistics; it embodies the triumph of the human spirit. His saga is a compelling resilience, determination, and unwavering dedication narrative. Kohli stands not just as a cricketer but as a beacon of hope and inspiration, especially for aspiring players. His story teaches us that one can conquer the world’s challenges with innate talent, relentless hard work, and an unyielding spirit.

As the ICC World Cup 2023 hurtles towards its climax, Kohli’s presence on the field serves as a vivid reminder of his indomitable will and unmatched skill. For cricket enthusiasts worldwide, he symbolizes the very essence of the sport—a fusion of passion, perseverance, and unparalleled talent. In the arena of international cricket, Kohli isn’t merely a player; he is an embodiment of dreams realized through sweat and sacrifice. His legacy will continue to inspire generations, reminding them that greatness is attainable with determination and an unwavering belief in oneself.

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The 2023 ODI World Cup is more than five weeks old now. Looking at the points table after week five, Sri Lanka and Netherlands joined England and Bangladesh among the teams who have been knocked out of the competition. Pakistan and Afghanistan only have a mathematical chance as New Zealand have all but secured their semi-finals berth following their five-wicket win over Sri Lanka.

Looking at the top four of the points table, Team India maintain the numero uno position with 16 points from eight matches. They will finish on top of the standings even if they lose their last league match to the Netherlands. South Africa and Australia are second and third, respectively, with 12 points from eight games, separated by the net run rate. New Zealand are fourth and look all set to remain there courtesy of their impressive net run rate. On that note, let’s look at the flop World Cup 2023 XI of week five.

Openers: Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Travis Head 

Afghanistan’s Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Australia’s Travis Head would open the innings in the flop World Cup 2023 XI of week five. The big-hitting Gurbaz was dismissed for 10 against Netherlands and followed it up with 21 against Australia.

Head also had a poor weak, opening the batting for the Aussies. He managed only 11 in the much-hyped clash against Ashes rivals England and was dismissed for a duck, playing a poor stroke in the game against Afghanistan. 

Middle-order: Joe Root, Kusal Mendis (captain), Jos Buttler, Josh Inglis (wk)

England’s experienced batter Joe Root’s horror run with the willow continued in week five. He was dismissed for 13 against Australia, caught behind off Mitchell Starc. Root was then dismissed in embarrassing fashion against Netherlands for 28. He was bowled between his legs by Logan van Beek, attempting a cheeky reverse scoop.

Sri Lankan captain Kusal Mendis will lead the flop XI of week five. He failed to inspire the team with the bat and in the field. Mendis was dismissed for 1 against India, cleaned up by Mohammed Siraj. He looked completely out of sorts against Bangladesh and holed out for 19.

England captain Jos Buttler makes it to the flop XI for yet another week as his disastrous run with the bat continued in the tournament. The man, who has owned up responsibility for the team’s disastrous campaign, was dismissed for single-figure scores against Australia and Netherlands, perishing for 1 and 5, respectively. Buttler would like to forget the World Cup like a bad dream. 

Australia’s Josh Inglis would be the keeper-batter in the team, although Buttler can also don the gloves. Inglis was a massive disappointment for the Aussies in week five. He was dismissed for 3 against England and fell for a golden duck against Afghanistan.

Bowlers: Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Ish Sodhi, Trent Boult, Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf

There is no proper all-rounder in the flop XI of week five, but Mujeeb Ur Rahman and Ish Sodhi can contribute with the willow. Mujeeb makes the team following a horror show against Australia. After registering figures of 1/40 against the Netherlands, he dropped a simple catch of Glenn Maxwell. The rest is history. He conceded 0/72 in 8.5 overs and was absolutely clobbered by the Aussie. 

The Kiwi duo of leg-spinner Sodhi and left-arm pacer Trent Boult suffered in the wake of an onslaught from Fakhar Zaman in the match against Pakistan. Boult had figures of 0/60 from five overs in six overs, while Sodhi went for 44 in four, also failing to claim a wicket. 

The Pakistan pace duo of Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf also make the list for the battering they received in the same match against New Zealand. Afridi had figures of 0/90 in 10 overs, while Rauf finished with 1/85 from his 10-over quota.

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Australia will take on Bangladesh in match number 43 of the 2023 ODI World Cup at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Pune on Saturday, November 11. This will be the first match of the double-header, with England taking on Pakistan later in the day. Australia are third in the points table, with 12 points from eight matches. They began the tournament with two losses but have since been on a six-match winning spree. In their last game, they came back from 91/7 to register a three-wicket win over Afghanistan courtesy of Glenn Maxwell’s brilliance.

While Australia have confirmed their place in the semi-finals of the 2023 World Cup for knocked out Bangladesh, it will be about trying to secure a berth in the 2025 Champions Trophy. Beating Australia, however, will be no mean feat. The Aussies have only gone down to Bangladesh once in ODIs, which was way back in 2005 in Cardiff. To make matters worse, they will be without skipper Shakib Al Hasan, who has been ruled out of the game due to injury. The team will take some confidence from the three-wicket win over Sri Lanka. Here are five player battles to watch out for in the Australia-Bangladesh clash.

David Warner vs Tanzim Hasan Sakib

Australian opener David Warner has had an impressive run in the 2023 World Cup, overcoming a poor start to the tournament. After three underwhelming scores, he had some luck against Pakistan and ended up hammering a scintillating 163. He followed it up with 104 against Netherlands and 81 versus New Zealand. In the last two matches, though, he has been dismissed cheaply, falling for 15 and 18 against England and Afghanistan, respectively. Warner would want to get back among the runs against Bangladesh.

Young Bangladesh pacer Tanzim Hasan Sakib has been in and out of the team’s ODI squad lately. He was included for the game against Sri Lanka and responded with figures of 3/80. While Tanzim was expensive in the overall analysis, he did chip in with some crucial wickets. He knocked over Pathum Nissanka and also got the scalp of Charith Asalanka. Warner will look to take him on, which also brings Tanzim in the game. Can he find a way of getting the better of the Aussie white-ball legend?

Litton Das vs Josh Hazlewood

Experienced Bangladesh batter Litton Das’ international career has been a case of what could have been. He is immensely talented, but has failed to utilize his stills to the optimum level. This World Cup, too, has been a demonstration of the same. Das has got a number of starts and has looked impressive during a number of his knocks. At the end of the day, though, the aggressive batter has only two half-centuries to show for his efforts. He scored 76 against England and 66 versus India. Das will be keen to come up with a performance worthy of his talent against Australia.

It would be fair to say that Josh Hazlewood has done what has been expected of him in the 2023 World Cup. The right-arm pacer has chipped in with key wickets at crucial junctures in almost every game, bringing his experience into play. In eight matches so far, he has picked up 12 wickets. Hazlewood began with a three-for against India, albeit in a losing cause, but hasn’t looked back since. In Australia’s last three matches, he has claimed two scalps each. Hazlewood would back himself to get the better of Das. Will this battle play according to the script?

Marnus Labuschagne vs Mehidy Hasan Miraz

Marnus Labuschagne has been a key batter for Australia in the middle-order, particularly with Steve Smith struggling for runs. And to think that he was not even part of the team’s original 15-member squad, only getting in because of the injury to Ashton Agar. The 29-year-old maverick batter has scored two crucial fifties – 62 against Netherlands and 71 versus England. However, like Das, he, too, hasn’t converted his other starts. A big knock could be around the corner for Labuschagne. Will it come against Bangladesh, just ahead of the knockouts?

Off-spinning all-rounder Mehidy Hasan Miraz has blown hot and cold for the team in the ongoing World Cup. If we talk about his bowling, he has picked up 10 scalps in eight matches. He kicked off the tournament with a 3/25 in the win over Afghanistan. After a few disappointing games, he picked up 2/47 against Pakistan. Mehidy again went off the boil before claiming 3/60 versus Pakistan. Bangladesh will bank on him in the middle overs as they look to restrict Labuschagne. Can Mehidy deliver the goods?

Mahmudullah vs Adam Zampa

Veteran Bangladesh batter Mahmudullah has been among the few positives for the team in the batting department. In six innings, the 37-year-old has smashed 296 runs at an average of 59.20. Batting down the order, the aggressive right-hander has registered scores of 41 not out, 46, 111, 20, 56 and 22. Having failed to convert his recent starts, Mahmudullah will look to sign off from the World Cup on a high.

Leggie Adam Zampa has been absolutely brilliant for Australia with his consistency in wicket-ability, bamboozling one opposition after another. He is currently the second-leading wicket-taker in the competition, with 20 wickets in eight matches at an average of 19.20. After three consecutive four-fors, he claimed two three-fors. He will be confident in standing up to the Mahmudullah challenge.

Marcus Stoinis vs Shoriful Islam

In Glenn Maxwell’s likely absence, there will be additional responsibility on Marcus Stoinis to deliver the goods in the death overs. The hard-hitting batter has chipped in with a few handy cameos, registering a best of 35 against England. He might have a bigger role to play on Saturday.

Young Bangladesh left-arm pacer Shoriful Islam has made a few impressive contributions with the ball. He has claimed a decent 10 wickets in eight games, although he has been expensive in some matches. Shoriful has the knack of picking up crucial scalps. Can he add Stoinis to his kitty?

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South Africa will take on Afghanistan in match number 42 of the 2023 World Cup at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Friday, November 10. The Proteas are in second position in the points table with 12 points from eight matches. They have qualified for the tournament’s semi-finals and will look to finish the league stage on a high. It’s practically impossible for Afghanistan to finish in the top four, even if they beat the Proteas by a huge margin. But Afghanistan would love another “upset” before signing off from what has been a great World Cup campaign.

South Africa’s previous match against hosts India was billed as the clash between the top two teams in the league stage. However, the Proteas came a cropper at the iconic Eden Gardens in Kolkata. Bowling first, they conceded 326/5 in 50 overs. In the chase, the entire team was bundled out for 83 in 27.1 overs, with not a single batter reaching 20. As for Afghanistan, they suffered a heartbreak against Australia. After having the opposition on the mat at 91/7, they got blown away by Glenn Maxwell’s brilliance. Here are five players to watch out for from the South Africa-Afghanistan match.

Quinton de Kock vs Naveen-ul-Haq

It would be an understatement to say that South African opener Quinton de Kock has had an exceptional run with the bat in the 2023 World Cup. His numbers tell the story in itself. In eight innings, he has smashed 550 runs at an average of 68.75 and a strike rate of 111.34. The left-hander has as many as four hundreds to his credit, with a best of 174 off 140 balls against Bangladesh. He also starred with 114 in the triumph over New Zealand. De Kock experienced a rare failure against India. He was bowled for 5 as he played on to a delivery from Mohammed Siraj. The southpaw would want to get back among the runs for sure.

It will be the clash of the ODI retirees when Naveen-ul-Haq bowls to De Kock in Ahmedabad. Without being extraordinary, the right-arm pacer has done a good job with the ball for Afghanistan, claiming crucial wickets at key moments. He picked up two wickets against New Zealand, two against Pakistan, and two in the match against Australia as well. Naveen dismissed Travis Head with a probing delivery. He will look to unsettle De Kock with a similar line and get his scalp cheaply as well.

Ibrahim Zadran vs Marco Jansen

Afghanistan opener Ibrahim Zadran created history for his side in the match against Australia, becoming the first batter from his nation to score a hundred in the Men’s ODI World Cup. The 21-year-old, who has displayed impressive form in the World Cup, struck an unbeaten 129 off 143 balls against a strong Aussie bowling line-up. His knock featured eight fours and three sixes as Afghanistan put up 291/5 on the board batting first. For most of Australia’s chase, it seemed like Ibrahim’s ton would be in a winning cause. Maxwell, though, had other plans.

Left-arm pacer Marco Jansen has been one of the biggest positives for South Africa in the 2023 World Cup. He is presently the third-leading wicket-taker in the tournament, with 17 wickets in eight matches at an average of 24.41. The 23-year-old has constantly struck for South Africa at important junctures. He picked up two wickets each against England and Bangladesh and followed it up with three each versus Pakistan and New Zealand. However, he had an off day against India, registering figures of 1/94. Jansen would want to get back to his best against Afghanistan. He can gain confidence with the early scalp of Ibrahim.

Rassie van der Dussen vs Rashid Khan

Rassie van der Dussen has been among South Africa’s many positives with the bat in the 2023 World Cup, playing a number of crucial knocks. The right-handed batter features 11th on the list of leading run-getters in the competition at the time of writing. In eight innings, he has notched up 366 runs at an average of 45.75 and a strike rate of 90.59. The 34-year-old scored a brilliant 133 against New Zealand but was dismissed for 13 against India. Can he get back among the runs in South Africa’s last league clash?

While Van der Dussen has been impressive against the pacers, he has had his issues against slow bowling. He was dismissed by Adam Zampa against Australia, by Roelof van der Merwe against the Netherlands, and by Adil Rashid against England. These are just a few examples. Thus, he may be in good form, but Rashid Khan might fancy his chances against Rassie. The seasoned Afghan leggie impressed against Australia with figures of 2/44. Will Rassie fall to another Rashid?

Azmatullah Omarzai vs Kagiso Rabada

Azmatullah Omarzai has displayed impressive confidence with his big hitting in the death overs for Afghanistan. He hammered an unbeaten 73 off 63 balls against Sri Lanka and followed it up with 31 not out of 28 versus Netherlands. In the match against Australia as well, he chipped in with 22 off 18. Omarzai has displayed that he is a clean striker of the cricket ball.

At the death, Omarzai could be up against the seasoned skills of Kagiso Rabada. The South African pacer has brought his experience into play and has delivered for the team. He was the best bowler against India, even as most of the others struggled. Taking Rabada on will be a challenge for Omarzai.

Heinrich Klaasen vs Fazalhaq Farooqi

After a brilliant first half in the league stage, Heinrich Klaasen’s World Cup form has taken a bit of a dip. In South Africa’s last three matches, he has registered scores of 12, 15 not out and 1. With the semi-finals coming up, clean-hitting Klaasen would want to get back among the runs.

Afghanistan left-arm pacer Fazalhaq Farooqi has come up with a couple of impressive performances in the World Cup. He stood out with a four-fer in the win over Sri Lanka. The 23-year-old went wicketless in the match against the Netherlands. Can he get the big scalp of Klaasen against South Africa?

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The 2023 ODI World Cup has now completed five weeks. Teams and fans are getting a much clearer picture of where the tournament is heading. After week five, it has been confirmed that India, South Africa, and Australia will finish in the top three. While India are confirmed for a top spot irrespective of the result of their last league game against the Netherlands in Bengaluru on November 12, South Africa and Australia will occupy either the second or third place depending on the results of their last league match. 

This also means South Africa and Australia are confirmed to take on each other in the second semi-final. India could meet Pakistan, New Zealand, or Afghanistan, depending on the results. Also, apart from England and Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and the Netherlands have also been knocked out of the tournament. On that note, let’s look at the World Cup 2023 team of week five.

Openers: Fakhar Zaman, Rachin Ravindra

Pakistan’s Fakhar Zaman and New Zealand’s Rachin Ravindra would open the batting in the World Cup team for week five. Fakhar struck a brilliant 126 not out off 81 balls, slamming eight fours and 11 sixes, to ensure a crucial victory for Pakistan in a much-win clash against New Zealand in a rain-shortened encounter.

Ravindra hit a hundred for New Zealand in the same game in Bengaluru. The elegant left-hander struck an impressive 108 off 94 balls, hitting 15 fours and a six. His knock got overshadowed by Fakhar’s brilliance, but the duo would open the innings together in the dream team.

Middle-order: Virat Kohli, Glenn Maxwell (captain), Ben Stokes

Indian batting star Virat Kohli had another memorable week in the 2023 World Cup. He scored 88 off 94 balls in the Men in Blue’s 302-run hammering of Sri Lanka in Mumbai. Kohli then equaled Sachin Tendulkar’s long-standing record of 49 ODI tons by scoring 101 not out off 121 balls against South Africa at Eden Gardens in Kolkata on his 35th birthday. Kohli was Player of the Match as India clinched the game by 243 runs.

Australia’s batting all-rounder Glenn Maxwell barges into the dream team on the back of his near-miraculous double hundred in the team’s come-from-behind three-wicket triumph over Afghanistan. Chasing 292, Australia had crumbled to 91/7. Maxwell, however, battled cramps in both legs, back spasms, and an inspired Afghanistan bowling attack, conquering all of them. He hammered 21 fours and 12 sixes in an incredible innings, hardly moving his feet towards the end of a special knock. He deserves to captain the team of the week.

England legend Ben Stokes finally found some form in week five. He scored a hard-fought 64 in the loss to Australia and followed it up with 108 off 84 in the win over the Netherlands in Pune, which kept England’s 2025 Champions Trophy qualification hopes alive.

Wicket-keeper: Ikram Alikhil

Afghanstan’s Ikram Alikhil had a brilliant game behind the stumps in the match against the Netherlands. He had a hand in effecting three of the four run-outs, took two catches, and pulled off a stumping as well. He also chipped in with two catches against Australia.  

All-rounders & bowlers: Shakib Al Hasan, Ravindra Jadeja, Chris Woakes, Mohammed Shami, Dilshan Madushanka

Bangladesh skipper Shakib Al Hasan makes the dream team by claiming two wickets and smashing a quick-fire 82 in the win over Sri Lanka in a hot-headed clash. Indian all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja had two memorable games. He scored 35 against Sri Lanka and claimed a wicket. Versus South Africa, he hit a swift 29 not out and then claimed career-best figures of 5/33. 

England all-rounder Chris Woakes claimed 4/54 versus Australia and scored 32. Against the Netherlands, he contributed 51 and picked up 1/19. India’s Mohammed Shami and Sri Lanka’s Dilshan Madushanka will be the main pacers in the team of the week. Shami claimed 5/18 and 2/18 against Sri Lanka and South Africa respectively. Left-arm pacer Madushanka claimed five against India and three versus Bangladesh, continuing his great form.

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New Zealand will take on Sri Lanka in match number 41 of the World Cup 2023 at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on Thursday, November 9. The Kiwis are fourth in the points table with eight points from eight matches. They have been struck on eight points for a while now. Their last win in the World Cup came on October 18 against Afghanistan. Since then, they have lost four matches in a row. In their previous game, they went down to Pakistan by 21 runs [DLS method] in a rain-shortened match despite scoring 400-plus as Fakhar Zaman played a scintillating knock. A win against Sri Lanka on Thursday should be enough for them to book a place in the semi-finals. However, weather again stands in their way as there is a prediction for rain in Bengaluru.

Sri Lanka are ninth in the points table with two wins from eight matches. While they have been knocked out of the tournament, they still have a chance to push for the 2025 Champions Trophy qualification. In their last match, the Lankans went down to Bangladesh by three wickets in a hot-tempered game that saw plenty of skirmishes, the boiling point being Angelo Mathews’ timed-out dismissal. In the end, though, Sri Lanka lost. On that note, here are five player battles to watch out for.

Rachin Ravindra vs Dilshan Madushanka

Rachin Ravindra has been absolutely sensational for New Zealand in World Cup 2023. In fact, he is currently the third-leading run-getter in the tournament, with 523 runs at an average of 74.71 and a strike rate of 107.3. He has already notched up three hundreds in the World Cup. The talented left-handed batter kicked off the tournament with an unbeaten 123 against defending champions England. Ravindra then hammered 116 against Australia and 108 versus Pakistan. In addition, he has also hit two fifties. The southpaw has exceeded expectations in the tournament. Can he continue his golden run?

Promising left-arm pacer Dilshan Madushanka has been the biggest positive for Sri Lanka in the ongoing World Cup. Even as most of the others have blown hot and cold, Madushanka has been consistently personified. In fact, he is the leading wicket-taker in the tournament, with 21 wickets from eight matches at an average of 22.24. Madushanka has stood out with both his accuracy and variation, making life difficult for batters. He claimed a three-for against Australia, four-for against the Netherlands, five against India, and another three versus Bangladesh. Can he strike early and get the big scalp of Ravindra?

Pathum Nissanka vs Tim Southee

Sri Lankan opener Pathum Nissanka has done reasonably well for the team at the top of the order. However, he will be disappointed that he hasn’t converted his starts into big scores. Nissanka is 15th on the list of leading run-getters in the 2023 World Cup, scoring 330 runs in eight innings at an average of 47.14 and a strike rate of 90.91. The batter should have been much higher on the list. He has scored four consecutive half-centuries in the tournament and has been dismissed for 40s in two of his last three innings. Can he come up with a big one against New Zealand?

Seasoned Kiwi pacer Tim Southee has played the last two matches for the team after making a comeback from his injury. He had a forgettable game against South Africa, registering figures of 2/77 in his 10 overs. Southee did a decent job in the rain-shortened game against Pakistan, finishing with figures of 1/27 from five overs. With qualification for semis on the line, New Zealand will need an experienced pacer to step up. Can he prevent Nissanka from getting another of his impressive starts?

Kane Williamson vs Maheesh Theekshana

Kane Williamson has been amazing with the willow despite being in and out of the side due to injuries. After missing New Zealand’s initial matches, he came in against Bangladesh and made 78 before being forced to retire hurt as a throw struck his thumb. Williamson again had to miss a few games. He returned for the clash against Pakistan and straightaway contributed 95 off 79 balls, missing out on a well-deserved hundred. Williamson will look to carry on his impressive form with the bat.

Sri Lankan skipper Maheesh Theekshana sank to the ground after Bangladesh knocked them out of the World Cup. He cut a sorry figure as Theekshana was expected to play a key role in Sri Lanka’s campaign but couldn’t make much of an impact. The off-spinner has picked up one or two wickets in most games but failed to be lethal. Against Bangladesh, too, he finished with 2/44. Can Theekshana stand up to the Williamson challenge?

Charith Asalanka vs Trent Boult

Charith Asalanka had a disappointing World Cup 2023 campaign after beginning it with a half-century against South Africa. In the match against Bangladesh, though, he stood up and scored a fine hundred. The left-handed batter’s 108 came off 105 balls, featuring six fours and five sixes. Can he build on the impressive knock?

Kiwi left-arm pacer Trent Boult has been among the wickets but has also been expensive. He picked up a three-for against Australia but went for 77 runs. In the last two matches, Boult has picked up only one scalp. Can he stand up and deliver the goods in the battle against Asalanka?

Daryl Mitchell vs Dushmantha Chameera

Daryl Mitchell has been New Zealand’s standout batter in the World Cup after Ravindra. In seven innings, he has scored 375 runs at an average of 62.50 and a strike rate of 108.07. Mitchell’s aggressive knocks have boosted the Kiwis’ scoring. However, he hasn’t converted starts in recent matches, and will be keen to rectify that.

Dushmantha Chameera has played three matches for Sri Lanka after replacing Lahiru Kumara in the World Cup squad. However, he has only managed one wicket in these games and has also gone for a few runs. He must bring his experience to the fore and stop a possible Mitchell assault.

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In the pulsating world of international cricket, India national cricket team has emerged as an indomitable force in the ICC World Cup 2023, displaying a breathtaking performance that has captivated fans and experts alike. With an unparalleled record of eight consecutive victories and one final match awaiting against the Netherlands, India’s unbeaten streak stands as a testament to their exceptional skill, strategic brilliance, and unwavering determination. Under the inspiring captaincy of Rohit Sharma, the Indian team has showcased a blend of aggressive batting, a potent bowling attack, and remarkable team depth, leaving opponents in awe and cricket enthusiasts on the edge of their seats. This incredible journey to success can be dissected into five pivotal factors: the dynamic opening partnership, a perfectly balanced team composition, the prowess of their formidable bowling attack, the consistency of the middle-order batsmen, and Sharma’s masterful captaincy. As India’s quest for World Cup glory reaches its climax, let’s delve deeper into these compelling reasons that have propelled the Indian team into cricketing history.

1) Sharma and Gill: Channeling the Spirit of Legends

In the exhilarating saga of India’s unparalleled success in the 2023 ICC World Cup, the opening pair of Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill has emerged as a formidable force, channelling the audacious spirit of cricketing legends Kaluwitharana and Sanath Jayasuriya from the iconic 1996 World Cup. Just as Kaluwitharana and Jayasuriya revolutionized the concept of aggressive opening batting, Sharma and Gill have seamlessly replicated their fearless approach, sending shockwaves through the opposition ranks. Like the Sri Lankan legends, the duo’s audacious style involves going hard at the bowling attack right from the outset, setting the stage for explosive innings. Sharma’s masterful technique, coupled with Gill’s youthful exuberance, has provided blazing starts and established a solid platform for India’s middle-order onslaughts. Their electrifying partnership mirrors the fearlessness of Kaluwitharana and Jayasuriya, showcasing India’s dominance in the tournament’s early overs.

2) Perfect Team Balance: The Heart of Success

Their impeccable team balance lies at the core of India’s undefeated spree in the 2023 ICC World Cup. With six proficient batters and five versatile bowlers, including the all-around prowess of Ravindra Jadeja, India has struck a harmonious equilibrium. This perfect balance has been the heartbeat of their success, allowing adaptability and resilience in various match situations. The strategic combination of aggressive stroke players and, reliable batting department finishers, and a formidable bowling attack epitomizes the essence of a well-rounded team. This equilibrium instills confidence and ensures that India can counter any challenge thrown their way, making it a formidable force to reckon with on the world stage.

3) The Bowling Behemoths: Shami, Siraj, and Bumrah

India’s bowling attack in the 2023 ICC World Cup stands as a testament to sheer brilliance and unwavering determination. The formidable trio of Mohammed Shami, Mohammed Siraj, and Jasprit Bumrah, along with the spin expertise of Ravindra Jadeja and Kuldeep Yadav, has caused immense trouble for opposing batsmen. With their lethal pace, accuracy, and spin combinations, they have orchestrated remarkable victories, consistently bowling out opponents. Their exceptional performances include bundling out Australia for 199, Pakistan for 191, Sri Lanka for a mere 55, England for 129, and South Africa for a paltry 83 runs. This dominant display highlights their ability to dismantle strong batting line-ups, providing India with crucial breakthroughs. Having bowled out teams in six out of eight matches, this bowling unit has been the cornerstone of India’s success, setting them apart as the tournament’s best bowling attack.

4) Middle Order Brilliance: The Pillars of Strength

India’s middle-order batting prowess has been a cornerstone of their unbeaten streak in the 2023 ICC World Cup, with KL Rahul and Shreyas Iyer emerging as the show stars. Timing their peak form to perfection, Rahul has amassed a staggering 245 runs at an average of over 60, while Iyer has displayed remarkable consistency with 293 runs at an average of nearly 50. Their ability to stabilize the innings and accelerate when needed has been invaluable for India. Moreover, the finishing brilliance of Ravindra Jadeja cannot be overlooked. His composure under pressure and ability to steer India to victory in tight situations has been nothing short of exemplary. With the middle-order firing on all cylinders, India’s batting line-up has proven to be resilient and formidable, making them a force to be reckoned with in the tournament.

5) Rohit Sharma’s Masterful Captaincy

Under the astute leadership of Rohit Sharma, India has found a captain who not only leads from the front with his batting prowess but also exudes strategic brilliance on the field. Sharma’s decision-making acumen, tactical brilliance, and ability to inspire his team have been instrumental in India’s unbeaten run. His captaincy has brought out the best in each player, fostering a cohesive team spirit and resilience that have proven to be invaluable assets on the field.

In the grand tapestry of the 2023 ICC World Cup, India’s unbeaten run shines as a testament to their exceptional cricketing prowess and collective brilliance. India has showcased a cricketing masterclass with a dynamic opening partnership, a perfectly balanced team, a formidable bowling attack, and a dependable middle-order. Led by the strategic brilliance of Rohit Sharma, they have not just won matches but instilled fear in opponents. Their journey, marked by audacious strokes, precise bowling, and nerve-wracking finishes, has exemplified true sportsmanship and determination. As they gear up for the final clash, India stands as a team and a symbol of unwavering spirit, setting the stage for a glorious culmination of a memorable tournament.

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For the 40th match of ICC World Cup 2023, two teams from Europe, England and Netherlands will square off on November 8 at the MCA Stadium in Pune. 

Both teams are placed in the bottom half of the table, and the upcoming game is crucial as they want to make sure they finish in the top eight so that they qualify for the 2025 Champions Trophy.

England are placed last on the table and have crashed out of the World Cup, while the Netherlands, who are ninth on the table, still stands a sleekest of a chance to make it to the semi-finals. This article will shed light on the preview, pitch report, and playing XI. 

Match Details

Match: England vs Netherlands

Time: November 8, 2:00 pm

Venue: MCA Stadium, Pune

Head-to-Head

They have met six times in ODI history, where England have won all the matches. The Dutch are yet to beat the Three Lions in ODIs.

Pitch Report

The surface at the MCA Stadium in Pune will be a tricky one. The ball will come nicely onto the bat, but it will also offer help to the bowlers. 

Weather Report

The temperature will range around 33°C. There is a 20% chance of rain in Pune tomorrow. The humidity will be around 55%.

Where to Watch

The fans can tune into Disney+Hotstar to watch the game digitally. For TV viewers, they can enjoy the game on Star Sports 1 & 2.

Probable XI

England: Jonny Bairstow, Dawid Malan, Joe Root, Liam Livingstone, Ben Stokes, Jos Buttler(c/wk), Chris Woakes, Moeen Ali, David Willey, Mark Wood, Adil Rashid.

Netherlands : Wesley Barresi, Max ODowd, Bas de Leede, Scott Edwards (c & wk), Sybrand Engelbrecht, Colin Ackermann, Roelof van der Merwe, Saqib Zulfiqar, Logan van Beek, Aryan Datt and Paul van Meekeren.

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The fourth week of the 2023 World Cup is behind us. In the fourth week, Bangladesh became the first team to be officially eliminated from the semi-finals race. England remained in last position as their horror run continued. Sri Lanka and the Netherlands were on four points each, while Afghanistan were sixth with six points from as many matches.

Now, shifting focus to the top half, South Africa were in the number one position after week four with 12 points from seven matches. Hosts India were second with 12 points from six games, as they continued to remain unbeaten. Australia were third with eight points and have now won four matches in a row. New Zealand had a forgettable week, losing two more games. They slipped to fourth, while Pakistan moved up to fifth position with an important seven-wicket win over Bangladesh. Here is the flop XI of week four.

Openers: Tanzid Hasan, Devon Conway 

Bangladesh’s Tanzid Hasan and New Zealand’s Devon Conway would open the innings for the flop XI for week four of the World Cup. Tanzid was out for 15 in the loss to Netherlands and was dismissed for a duck against Pakistan. 

Conway’s World Cup has lost steam after a great start. He was out for 28 against Australia and fell for 2 against South Africa. His loss of form hurt New Zealand in a big way.

Middle order: Joe Root, Jos Buttler, Tom Latham (c & wk)

On paper, this is actually a strong middle order. However, the batters in mention had an atrocious week. Joe Root was out for 3 against Sri Lanka and fell for a golden duck against India.

England captain Jos Buttler continued to look out of sorts in week 4. He fell for 8 against Sri Lanka and 10 against India, never looking in any sort of control out in the middle.

New Zealand stand-in captain Tom Latham will lead the flop XI of week four. He made 21 against Australia and 4 against South Africa. Latham seems to be feeling the pressure of leading in the big event as he hasn’t been his usual self.

All-rounders: Moeen Ali, Mitchell Santner

Moeen Ali and Mitchell Santner are the all-rounders in the flop XI of week 4. Moeen managed only 15 each with the willow against Sri Lanka and India. With the ball, he went wicketless in both matches.

Kiwi left-arm spinner Santner proved very expensive against Australia. He conceded 2/80 and scored 17 with the bat. Against South Africa, he was out for 7 and had bowling figures of 0/58.

Bowlers: Mark Wood, Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry, Maheesh Theekshana

Mark Wood failed to make an impact with the ball in week four as well. He had figures of 0/23 against Sri Lanka and 1/46 against India. Lockie Ferguson was slammed for 38 runs in three overs against Australia and lost his place in the playing XI for the next match.

Another New Zealander, Matt Henry, also had a disappointing week with the ball. The experienced pacer had figures of 1/67 from 6.2 overs against Australia and 0/31 from 5.3 overs against South Africa.

Sri Lanka’s Maheesh Theekshana will be the main spinner in the flop XI of week four of the 2023 World Cup. He was economical against England, claiming 1/21 from 8.2 overs. However, he failed to deliver against Afghanistan, registering figures of 0/55 from 10 overs.

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