The Cricket World Cup gets underway on Thursday 5 October 2023 at the Narendra Modi Stadium. A busy weekend also awaits with an incredible Saturday double-header. James Richardson previews.
Thursday 5 October
England 4/9 | New Zealand 7/4
The World Cup starts with a rematch of the epic final from 2019 but is unlikely to be as dramatic.
New Zealand haven’t quite found top gear but a warm-up win over South Africa suggests they will be in the frame for the semi-finals again.
England have the defence of their crown on their minds but the World Cup isn’t won in the first match.
Dawid Malan has become England’s banker in the ODI format and he looks a good shout to top score in this match.
Verdict: England
England will be looking to get their title defence off to a good start. They really should have the measure of a talented, but limited Black Caps outfit.
Friday 6 October
Pakistan 1/25 | Netherlands 10/1
Pakistan have to guard against complacency when they face a dangerous Dutch team.
Babar Azam is always the man to watch when Pakistan turn out and if he starts well it might signal a strong World Cup push.
The last ODI at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium saw well over 600 runs scored and Pakistan’s batting power should be brought to bear.
It might be a long day in the field for the Dutch if they lose the toss.
Verdict: Highest Opening Partnership – Pakistan
Not much value in backing the Asians at 1/20. Instead, back Pakistan to enjoy the higher opening partnership at a very attractive 5/10.
Saturday 7 October
Bangladesh 4/6 | Afghanistan 6/5
Bangladesh and Afghanistan will both feel that this opening fixture gives them a chance to build momentum.
The HPCA Stadium pitch is usually fairly docile which could swing things in Afghanistan’s favour.
Bangladesh are still leaning heavily on their veteran golden generation with Mushfiqur Rahim and Shakib Al Hasan their highest-ranked batter and bowler respectively.
Afghanistan have veterans Rashid Khan and Mohammad Nabi to call on but relative youngsters Mujeeb Ur Rahman and Ibrahim Zadran are also ready to deliver.
Verdict: Afghanistan
The Afghans – conditions allowing – should just edge the Bangladeshis on Saturday.
South Africa 4/9 | Sri Lanka 7/4
Injuries have struck massive blows to the Proteas hopes and their opening match against Sri Lanka will be key to them building momentum in this tournament.
Heinrich Klaasen’s incredible form might come to the fore with a good batting track expected to be rolled out for this match.
Sri Lanka will hope to bamboozle the South Africans with spin led by Maheesh Theekshana.
The South Africans could struggle to come to grips with slower bowling in these conditions.
Prediction: Sri Lanka win
