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Tag: 2023 ODI World Cup

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Abhinav Bindra’s rousing pep talk for India ahead of World Cup semifinal against New Zealand: ‘Crisis? That’s just another word for I’m about to make history’

After 45 games at the 2023 ODI World Cup, it’s time for the business end of the marquee tournament. For India, who won all nine of their league stage games, it’s New Zealand again in the semifinals. The team that had knocked them out of the previous edition of the tournament. The two teams will lock horns at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on Wednesday and ahead of the big contest, Rohit Sharma and Co have been offered words of wisdom from the Beijing Olympics gold medalist Abhinav Bindra. Follow all the action from the Cricket World Cup 2023 on our special World Cup section. You can also find the latest stats, like the top scorer and the highest wicket-taker of the current edition, upcoming World Cup fixtures and the points table on the site. Taking to his X account on Monday, Bindra w...
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Fastest ODI world cup hundred by an Indian: KL Rahul’s wristy helicopter – the shot of India’s match against the Netherlands

There were two versions of the shot of the match from KL Rahul. The first was in the 44th over when he decided to step on the gas, and the second helped him go past Rohit Sharma to complete the fastest world cup hundred by an Indian, off 62 balls – one less than his captain.In the 44th over, Van Meekeran had hurled it pretty full and in the middle and leg, hoping perhaps to cramp him for room, but Rahul didn’t budge an inch. No foot movement, nothing, for even a tiny forward move would have got him a lot closer to the ball, yorking himself. There was no time to move back, anyways. A younger KL would have probably just played the conventional flick, but the IPL version of KL doesn’t do simple stuff like that. Instead, he flexed his knee, held balance and triggering power, and just let hi...
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ODI World Cup: Australia fabulous after fumble as Mitchell Marsh’s ton seals seventh straight win

They were an unglamorous set of cramps, compared to the other night. When Mitchell Marsh’s feet started feeling funny in a terrible way, while leading Australia’s chase of 307 against Bangladesh in Pune’s scorching afternoon, he rationed his celebrations upon reaching 100. He was consciously trying to control his heart-rate, so the cramps wouldn’t go out of control.After the wobble of 91/7 at Wankhede against Afghanistan, the Australian top order was on high alert and determined to get a seamless chase under its belt. It’s why captain Pat Cummins chose to field first on a belter. And Marsh made the run-a-ball pursuit almost uneventful with his unbeaten 177 after Glenn Maxwell had had to pull them out of a serious batting funk against Afghanistan and sat out this one, grabbing a breather...
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Cricket World Cup: Why Afghanistan’s loss is good news for Pakistan

Glenn Maxwell’s double hundred has put Australia in the semifinals. With 12 points in the bag, none of the teams below them can match their tally. It means they will take on South Africa in one of the semifinals. There is a three-way race for the lone remaining semi-final spot. Here is a look at those in with a chance as the World Cup enters the final stretch… Afghanistan: 8 points, one match remaining against South Africa It has become all the more challenging for Afghanistan, who need a lot of help to go through. If they beat South Africa on Friday, they will end up on 10 points, a tally that New Zealand and Pakistan can also match. But with their net run rate (NRR) being the lowest among the three teams still with a chance of making the semi-finals, they not only need to win big agai...
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Wounded England look to avoid more humiliation at Cricket World Cup as they face Dutch underdogs

Ryan van Niekerk, the Netherlands assistant coach, tried to summon the best wildlife imagery while being respectful to his next opponents, England. “From where I come from in South Africa, there’s a saying ‘Never underestimate a wounded buffalo’.”In a fast-forgetting world that has quickly taken the crown off English heads to polish it and keep it ready for the next champions, the Dutch wanted to pay obeisance to the fading power. “England are world champions. It’s a similar group to the one that won. And England are preparing as they know how,” Van Niekerk would add. The World Cup title is England’s pride. The Dutch are about to find out if the buffalo is wounded enough. Follow all the action from the Cricket World Cup 2023 on our special World Cup section. You can also find the latest...
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Angelo Mathews’ timed-out dismissal ignited the simmering rivalry but Bangladesh’s Shakib Al Hasan had the last laugh

With both teams out of World Cup semifinal contention, and much of the buildup highlighted by the toxic air around the smog-filled cauldron of the Kotla, the latest edition to the feisty cricket rivalry between Bangladesh and Sri Lanka seemed to be heading down an eventless path midway through the first innings. All of a sudden, it got its moment of animosity.Angelo Mathews’ timed out dismissal will cause much debate. Over the ‘spirit of cricket’ after Bangladesh skipper Shakib Al Hasan appealed for the decision – which was well within the rules – when Mathews seemed to have a problem with his helmet. Over Mathews’s lack of awareness of the rules. Over the rules themselves, as a batsman’s malfunctioning equipment led to his dismissal without facing a ball. //www.instagram.com/embed....
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ODI World Cup: Jos Buttler and his woes of watching England’s white-ball reputation slip away

The guards and groundsmen were still stretching their limbs, siesta-ing on the shaded part of the ground and letting out deep yawns when Jos Buttler stepped onto the ground on a lazy pre-winter afternoon in Bangalore. He peered at the sun—it might have been more benign than the Mumbai inferno. He watched the eagles swoop down, he wandered to the square where three pitches lay wrapped in a thin cover of tent-cloth. A groundsman offered a sneak-peak, a bemused expression spread across his face. As he trudged back to the dressing room, he paused and turned back. He could see some of England’’s finest engaged in their chores. Here was Ben Stokes, the miracle worker, swinging for the fences. There was Joe Root, England’s finest batsmen of this generation, rehearsing late-cuts. The spin pair—...
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World Cup 2023: Virat Kohli scores 78th ton in match against Bangladesh, his 3rd ODI WC century overall

Virat Kohli brought up his first century of the 2023 World Cup, his 78th overall as he stayed true to his chase master moniker and helped India defeat Bangladesh.This was Kohli’s 48th ODI century and his 3rd in the 50-over showpiece’s history. He brought up his ton in 97 balls in an innings peppered with 6 fours and 4 sixes. It was the stuff of legends as Kohli finished off the match and his century with a huge six, putting Bangladesh out of their misery as Indian romped to their 4th straight win in as many matches. “I wanted to make a big contribution. I have had a few fifties in World Cups, haven’t really converted. I just wanted to finish off the game this time around and hang around till the end which is what I have done over the years. I was telling Shubman, even if you dream about...
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Cricket World Cup: Unbeaten New Zealand demolish Afghanistan in perfect preparation for clash with red-hot India

Mitchell Santner didn’t mince words when talking about New Zealand’s next opponents, India. For all the ‘nice boys’ tag that hangs around their necks, the Black Caps are known to be ruthless on the field, especially at World Cups. They have a history of flying under the radar, largely unnoticed, but as they leave Chennai after making it four wins out of four with their 149-run victory over Afghanistan on Wednesday, New Zealand look every bit prepared for India. Despite getting past Australia and Pakistan, India know New Zealand will be a hard nut to crack at Dharamsala, more so if the conditions are to the liking of the Black Caps. And Santner, who went top of the wicket-takers chart with his three-wicket haul against Afghanistan that took his tally at this World Cup to 11, said that th...
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I wasn’t feeling great because I had a bit of a back spasm: Adam Zampa – Times of India

NEW DELHI: Leg-spinner Adam Zampa on Monday played a pivotal role in Australia's first win of the 2023 ODI World Cup in Lucknow, picking up four Sri Lankan wickets. The 31-year-old was adjudged Player of the Match as he returned impressive figures of 8-1-47-4 in Australia's 5-wicket win. However, after the game, Zampa revealed that had been struggling with back spasms for the last couple of days. "To be honest, I wasn't feeling great because I had a bit of a back spasm. Was playing through it the last couple of days. Today I felt better, bowled better today," Zampa said after the match."Personally, not at my best and last game particularly felt I could have been doing better. My job in this team is to take wickets in the middle order. Didn't quite do that last game and put the pressure ...
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‘His style is a bit different from others’: Former domestic stalwart on Rohit Sharma’s captaincy | Cricket News – Times of India

NEW DELHI: Former Mumbai captain and domestic stalwart Amol Muzumdar lauded Rohit Sharma's captaincy, highlighting the Indian skipper's exceptional leadership as he guided the team to three consecutive victories in the 2023 ODI World Cup.In his analysis of Rohit's captaincy, Muzumdar emphasized three key aspects with a stress on data and statistics during the Star Sports show, 'Follow the Blues'.Muzumdar further pointed out Rohit's unique captaincy style, which involves friendly and effective communication with his players. This approach helps in simplifying complex situations and contributes to the team's success."I want to highlight 3 things about his captaincy. The first one is, Rohit Sharma gives a lot of weightage and importance to data and statistics. This includes one of the most...
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World Cup 2023: New Zealand win one-sided opener, stadium far from full: Is ODI dying? question fans

“Oi! Jimmy! Your teacher is here!” Went a cry from the stands, near the sight-screen, and the fan from New Zealand, who was referred to as the teacher, hushed the fellow Kiwi who was shouting.Turns out Bryce Bevin not only taught Kiwi all-rounder Jimmy Neesham in Grammar school but is friends with his father and also coached Spain’s national rugby team in the 1990s. A rugby coach who loves cricket and is following New Zealand this World Cup on his first visit to India. Early in the afternoon with the sun beating down, Bevin looks around the largely-empty 1.33 lakh-capacity Narendra Modi Stadium, the venue for the opening England vs New Zealand game, to draw a conclusion. “This ODI format is dying, eh? I believe cricket is a religion in this country, but I can’t blame them for not tur...
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Devon Conway fires first century of 2023 ODI World Cup – Times of India

NEW DELHI: New Zealand opener Devon Conway on Thursday slammed the first century of the ODI World Cup in the opening match of the tournament against defending champions England at the Narendra Modi stadium in Ahmedabad. The 32-year-old Conway raised his fifth century in ODIs off just 83 balls in pursuit of the 283 target set by England. Conway's knock was studded with 13 fours and two sixes as he along with Rachin Ravindra lit up the the world's biggest cricket stadium.Rachin, the other left-hander in the Kiwi side, who is of Indian origin, also smoked an 82-ball ton as the duo shared a massive unbeaten 200-plus-run partnership for the second wicket. Rachin cracked 9 fours and four maximums in his fiery knock that came at a strike rate of 121.95. Stunning the defending champions, both b...
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Ravichandran Ashwin’s route-map to WC: Axar Patel’s injury, experience, tricks, and being an off-spinner

Ravichandran Ashwin has replaced Axar Patel in India’s World Cup squad as the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) sent its updated list of players to the International Cricket Council on Thursday. The Indian Express understands that Axar, who suffered a quadriceps injury during the Asia Cup, will take another couple of weeks before he resumes bowling and following discussions with the team management, the selectors decided to include Ashwin, who alongside Virat Kohli, will play his second World Cup on home soil and third overall.Although the injury to Axar has made the switch easy, India have been keeping their tabs open on Ashwin. Even when the selectors met the team management that includes skipper Rohit Sharma and head coach Rahul Dravid before naming the squads for Asia Cup...
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Rajkot lessons: Full-strength Australia lays bare India’s limitations

There were quite a few lessons for India to take home from Rajkot, where they endured a 66-run defeat at the hands of Australia in a dead-rubber game. For a series that has acted as a perfect preparation just before the World Cup, there have been plenty of positives for India. But on a day where Australia fielded their near full-strength team, India showed how their limitations in certain aspects could after all be the big difference that could stop them from being the favourites to lift a third World Cup title. Their lack of depth in the batting and a one-dimensional attack in the middle-overs where a lot depends on Kuldeep Yadav, is already well documented. Right through their victorious Asia Cup campaign after starting off on a troublesome note, they managed to hide these holes. When...
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BCCI confirms, Shreyas Iyer to miss the India-Sri Lanka Asia Cup match

The exclusion of Shreyas Iyer from the India playing XI against Pakistan would come as a surprise. Having recently made his comeback in the Indian colors following a back injury, Iyer had been ruled out of the Super 4 contest on Sunday owing to a back spasm. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) have now added that Iyer will not be available for selection against Sri Lanka. “Shreyas Iyer is feeling better but is yet to fully recover from back spasm. He has been advised rest by the BCCI Medical Team and has not travelled with the team to the stadium today for India’s Super 4 match against Sri Lanka,” a statement from the board read. Iyer had started at number four against Pakistan in his sole innings so far at this Asia Cup. This, during the group stage meeting in Pallekele.Mo...
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2023 ODI World Cup | New Zealand names Boult, Neesham in experienced 15-member squad

New Zealand’s Trent Boult, right, listens to captain Kane Williamson, left, and New Zealand’s Tim Southee during a match in Sharjah, UAE. File photo | Photo Credit: AP Trent Boult and Jimmy Neesham, who both opted out of central contracts, have made the cut as New Zealand on Monday named an experienced 15-member squad, led by Kane Williamson, for next month's World Cup in India. Williamson, who last played for the Black Caps in March, returns to the side as he continues to recover from a ruptured ACL he suffered during the IPL earlier this year. However, it is not yet known whether the batter will be fit for New Zealand's opening match against England, which is also the tournament opener, on October 5. New Zealand had lost to England on boundary count in the 2019 World Cup final at Lor...
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KL Rahul is looking good, gives us the best balance: Chief Selector Ajit Agarkar

KL Rahul’s presence gives India’s World Cup squad “the best balance” as he has met all the fitness parameters, chief selector Ajit Agarkar said on Tuesday, clearing the air of uncertainty surrounding the wicketkeeper-batter. Rahul last played for India in an ODI against Australia at Chennai earlier this march. Agarkar expressed satisfaction over the fitness levels of Rahul and said the 31-year-old has overcome his niggle that delayed his comeback in the ongoing Asia Cup. “KL (Rahul) is looking good. We feel this gives us the best balance to try and do well. KL was part of the camp in Bangalore, and he looked really good there and has got over his niggle. “He played a couple of games over the last two days (at NCA). He kept for 50 overs and batted for around 50 overs too, so we’re happy...
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The only way that can happen is if KL Rahul doesn’t get fit: Ravichandran Ashwin on Ravi Shastri’s Virat Kohli at No. 4 comment

Former India coach Ravi Shastri had recently weighed in India’s number 4 position conundrum when he suggested that Virat Kohli can bat there if need be. “If Virat has to bat at four, he will bat at four in the interest of the side. You know, there were times I thought of it,” Shastri had said in a chat on Star Sports’ Selection Day show. Now, veteran spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has given his own two cents on the topic, saying that Kohli can only be slotted in that position if KL Rahul does not play. “Virat Kohli batted at number 4 in that (2011) World Cup. In fact, Ravi Bhai has mentioned that, if necessary, Virat Kohli should bat at number 4. I think he mentioned that so that we can accommodate a left-hander. The only way that can happen is if KL Rahul doesn’t get fit, and when they ne...
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Pak cricket team at ICC World Cup will be treated just like any other team: MEA

India on Friday said the Pakistani cricket team will be treated just like any other squad participating in the upcoming ICC World Cup in the country. India is hosting the tournament from October 5. “The Pakistan cricket team will be treated just like the cricket team of any other country participating in the ICC World Cup,” External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said. On Pakistan seeking better security for its team, he said the questions should be better directed towards the security agencies or the organisers. “Of course, we would hope that all necessary security will be provided not just to them but to all other participating teams.” “I hope that there is a good match and I hope this is not war as it seems to be made out to,” Bagchi said when asked about Pakistan forei...