The 2023 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup is currently taking place in India from the 5th October to 19th November. There’s been some memorable moments already, although not for England, they’ve been officially eliminated having never really got going. India look as though they’ll top the group stage, setting themselves up for a semi-final in Mumbai.
The Format
There are 10 teams competing in total and the format is simple. All 10 teams play each other once in a round-robin stage and the top four teams qualify for the semi-finals. The winners of the semi-finals will meet each other in the final which will be held at Eden Gardens in Kolkata, one of the most iconic stadiums in the world cricket.
Teams competing in the World Cup:
- Afghanistan
- Australia
- Bangladesh
- India
- Pakistan
- New Zealand
- England
- South Africa
- Sri Lanka
- The Netherlands
Who will win?
The current favourites are the host nation India, along with South Africa, Australia, and New Zealand. But with so many surprises in the tournament already, it’s still too close to call when it comes to picking a winner. England, the defending champions, arrived with a strong squad and high hopes of retaining their title, but they are already out. Having failed to find any kind of form whatsoever, the current holders managed to look the complete opposite of the team that lifted the trophy back in 2019, and surrendered their title with barely a whimper.
India
The standout favourite in the betting is India, but they are also the team under the most pressure. The country is cricket mad and has some of the most passionate fans in the world, but with that comes expectation and pressure, especially as the host team.
But with Virat Kohli in their side, they are always going to be among the favourites. The batsman celebrated his 35th birthday with his second century of the World Cup against South Africa, as India went on to win by 243 runs at Eden Gardens. His unbeaten 101 saw him move him level with fellow Indian great Sachin Tendulkar on 49 one-day international hundreds. Kohli innings also saw him rack up over 500 runs for the tournament so far.
New Zealand
New Zealand are the beaten finalists from the last World Cup, and after the heartbreaking end to their tournament, losing on a super over to England, they will be determined to bring the trophy home this time around.
After a good run of form however, four defeats in four matches has left New Zealand with quite a bit to do to qualify for the semi-final. Even if they win their last game, they could miss depending on results elsewhere. It’s that tight.
With seam bowler Matt Henry on form, plus Trent Boult, Devon Conway, and the emergence of Rachin Ravindra, New Zealand remain a threat should they progress. Ravindra has been one of the tournaments stand out players, after he became the youngest New Zealand batter to score a World Cup century. The 23-year-old Kiwi, who plays Wellington Firebirds back home, also became the first rookie to score three centuries at an ICC Cricket World Cup.
South Africa
South Africa have a strong side, with good batting depth. Quinton de Kock, David Miller and their danger man Heinrich Klaasen, who appears to have the power and skill to win games almost single-handedly. They were the second team to qualify for the semi-finals and despite poor from coming into the tournament, they now look capable of going all the way and claiming the Springboks first ever Cricket World Cup.
Australia
Australia come into every tournament amongst the favourites, with the Aussies the ultimate competitors when it comes to trophies on the line. The five time winners will be hoping to add a record sixth title to their collection in India, and if Glenn Maxwell maintains his form, they are going to be hard to beat.
Coming in to bat with Australia at 91-7 against Afghanistan, in a game they couldn’t afford to lose, Maxwell set about rewriting the record books. He hit 201 not out from only 128 balls, the highest score for Australia ever in one day internationals. His 202-run partnership with captain Pat Cummins was also the largest 8th wicket stand in one day international history.
Most Cricket World Cup wins:
- Australia (5)
- West Indies (2)
- India (2)
- England
- Pakistan
- Sri Lanka
The world cup is a chance for fans to enjoy some thrilling cricket action and cheer on their favourite teams. Whether you’re watching it live at the stadium, or on TV, you can expect some exciting matches, and nail-biting finishes – especially if last year’s final is anything to go by. The world cup is the ultimate cricket carnival, and you don’t want to miss it.
