ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023
Everything You Need to Know
The cricketing world eagerly awaits the commencement of the 13th edition of the Cricket World Cup, scheduled to kick off on October 5, enthusiasts and experts alike are gearing up for what promises to be a riveting tournament. With the stage set across ten different grounds in India, here’s a detailed look at the crucial aspects leading up to the first delivery.
Similar to the successful Cricket World Cup in 2019, the 2023 edition will follow a round-robin format, with each of the 10 teams playing against every other side once. The top four teams emerging from this round will advance to the semi-finals. The first-place team will face the fourth, while the second and third-placed teams will lock horns. The winners of these semi-final clashes will then vie for the prestigious title in the final slated for November 20. The qualifying teams were determined through the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup Super League, a rigorous three-year competition involving 13 teams and eight three-match bilateral series each. The top eight — New Zealand, England, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Australia, Afghanistan, and South Africa — secured direct entry into the Cricket World Cup. The bottom five faced the Cricket World Cup Qualifier alongside teams from League 2 and the Qualifier Play-off tournament. Remarkably, Sri Lanka and the Netherlands, finishing 10th and 13th respectively in the Super League, managed to secure their spots in the World Cup through the Qualifier. Sri Lanka’s unbeaten run through the group and Super Six stages showcased their determination, while the Netherlands edged past Scotland and Zimbabwe on net run rate in the Super Sixes to book their tickets.
A critical question arises: How many points will a team need to secure a spot in the semi-finals?
Drawing from the 2019 edition’s lessons, seven victories from nine matches were sufficient for India and Australia to secure semi-final berths. Teams with six wins were on a precarious edge. In the case of tied points, the total number of wins becomes the primary tie-breaker, with the net run rate serving as the next differentiator. Notably, in 2019, New Zealand secured the fourth spot on net run rate, narrowly beating Pakistan, both having equal points and wins, with a shared no-result point.
Venues and Matches
The tournament will unfold across ten picturesque grounds, ranging from Dharamsala in the north to Bangalore and Chennai in the south. Each venue carries its own significance.
Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad
As the largest sports stadium globally, Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad will host the tournament opener, the India vs. Pakistan clash on October 14, and the final on November 19.
Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru
Known for its relatively small boundary sizes of around 65 meters, Chinnaswamy Stadium will witness its first match on October 20, hosting crucial encounters, including Australia vs. Pakistan and Babar Azam’s charges against New Zealand.
M.A. Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai
With five games scheduled, this venue, situated on the Indian Ocean, is anticipated to be the most humid. The clash between Pakistan and South Africa on October 27 holds particular significance.
Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi
Known for its historical significance in cricket, the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi has witnessed a pace-friendly wicket, suggesting higher scores. A must-win game between Bangladesh and Sri Lanka awaits on November 6.
Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association (HPCA) Stadium, Dharamsala
Nestled against the backdrop of the Himalayan mountains, this smaller ground is expected to see high-scoring encounters, commencing with Afghanistan vs. Bangladesh on October 7.
Eden Gardens, Kolkata
The iconic Eden Gardens, now the second-largest stadium in India, will host crucial matches, including one of the semi-finals, with its lively pitch and breezy conditions.
BRSABVE Cricket Stadium, Lucknow
A newer addition to the international circuit, Lucknow’s stadium, will feature Australia vs. South Africa on October 12, with insights from players of the Lucknow Super Giants.
Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai
Known as the “cricket capital,” Wankhede Stadium will host matches in the latter half of the tournament, including a semi-final on November 15.
MCA International Stadium, Pune
With a decade of international play history, this Pune stadium will host intriguing matches, such as New Zealand vs. South Africa on November 1, crucial for semi-final berths.
Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Hyderabad
Hosting three matches within the first seven days, this stadium’s highlight is the clash between Pakistan and Sri Lanka on October 10.
A substantial prize pool of US$10 million has been announced for the tournament. The champions will walk away with US$4 million, the runners-up with US$2 million, and teams will collect US$40,000 after every group stage win, adding an extra layer of motivation for spirited performances.
In essence, as the Cricket World Cup 2023 draws near, the stage is set for a cricketing spectacle that promises not only intense competition but also the unfolding of captivating narratives and historic moments on the pitches of India. With a perfect blend of tradition, innovation, and a passion for the sport, this tournament promises to be an unforgettable experience. India is all set to deliver a world-class event that will leave a lasting legacy in the history of cricket and we are more than happy to bring you the experience of the games live — come to Ticombo, take a look at our website , and browse through the matches you don’t want to miss. India is calling!
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References
https://www.cricketworldcup.com/
https://www.cricbuzz.com/cricket-series/6732/icc-cricket-world-cup-2023/matches
https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/icc-cricket-world-cup-2023-24-1367856
