The ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 is underway and the followers are in for unforgettable matches, surprising results and controversial decisions. The thirteenth edition of the globally popular tournament began on Thursday, October 5, when New Zealand opened their account with a convincing nine-wicket victory over England. This result caught many by surprise and set the pace for an unpredictable competition.
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India hosts more than six weeks of high-quality professional cricket and are favorites to make home-court advantage count. Dealers working in leading gambling apps are backing the locals as the team to beat and the odds on offer suggest they are the most likely champions. Cricket fans made predictions and were joined by ordinary sports fans eager to see what the fuss was all about.
Generous odds, attractive promotions and unique Cricket World Cup markets are found on the best football apps and online boxing betting sites. It is a competition that attracts everyone’s attention. Which team will you support? Do you expect India to rise to the occasion and win their third Cricket World Cup or will a plucky underdog steal the show? Australia will pose the main threat ahead of England and New Zealand.
India chasing high notes
India may be the World Cup hosts and two-time champions, but there are question marks over their ability to live up to expectations and complete the treble. Sure, they have the skill, experience and squad needed to compete, but the last time the nation gave fans something to cheer about at this level was in 2011. It’s a drought in the eyes of India’s most dedicated sports fans, and the pressure is mounting on the current crop to end the wait.
India’s 2023 team has to match the efforts of that successful team of 2011. They started well despite the official warm-up match against the Netherlands being called off just five days before the start of the match. When the tournament started for India, the fixture list was not good, pitting them against second favorites Australia on the first day of the match. Defeat would be another blow for a team without proper preparation, but the players managed.
India got off to a winning start, beating the Aussies by six wickets. At the end of the match the scoreboard read India 201-4 against Australia’s 199 all out. It was a show of strength from India and an example of what fans can expect. That battling victory paved the way for the hosts to make it two for two against Afghanistan on Wednesday, but how does it measure up to the efforts of the 2011 champions?
With India back in action on Saturday, the followers have a break in the game until they face a titanic battle against rivals Pakistan. Our sportswriters exploit the gap by reflecting on India’s success, which is now a decade old. Apart from reminding fans of the glory days, the aim is to help instill confidence in India fans and compare their start in 2023 to how they started the competition in 2011.
Group stage triumph
India started their World Cup campaign with an impressive win over Bangladesh. They won the match by 87 runs, setting a positive tone for the tournament.
However, the loss to South Africa in the second game was a wake-up call for the team. They bounced back with convincing and timely wins against Ireland and the Netherlands, securing a place in the quarter-finals.
The epic of the quarter-finals
The quarter-final encounter against Australia was a fierce contest that will forever be etched in the memory of Indian cricket fans. Batting first, India posted a competitive total of 260 with Yuvraj Singh playing a key role with both bat and ball.
Australia’s chase was tense but the Indian bowlers, led by Zaheer Khan, had the courage to secure a 5-run victory, marking the end of Australia’s World Cup reign.
Triumph in the semi-final against Pakistan
The semi-final match against Pakistan was not just a cricket match but a high-stakes battle between the eternal rivals. The pressure was immense, but India were up to the task.
The ever-reliable Gautam Gambhir scored 97 runs during India’s innings. The bowlers, led by the young and talented S. Sreesanth, defended the total brilliantly. India prevailed with a 29-run victory, securing a place in the World Cup finals.
Grand Final: India vs Sri Lanka
The World Cup final at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai was a spectacle for cricket. India faced Sri Lanka, another formidable team, in a match that fulfilled the dreams of a billion people. Sri Lanka batted first and posted a challenging total of 275 runs, thanks to a brilliant century by Mahela Jayawardena.
India’s run chase got off to a shaky start, losing openers cheaply. However, Gautam Gambhir and master, Sachin Tendulkar held the innings together with a crucial partnership. When Tendulkar left after scoring 18 goals, the responsibility fell on young Virat Kohli’s shoulders.
Gambhir, consistent throughout the tournament, has delivered once again. His excellent innings of 97 runs under pressure showed his ability to step up in critical situations. Yuvraj Singh, India’s all-rounder, provided valuable support with the bat.
Winning feeling
As the chase neared its climax, the skipper, Mahendra Singh Dhoni, jumped into the question. With calm demeanor and determination, Dhoni took India home on an unbeaten 91, sealing a historic six-wicket win.
His iconic match-ending six went down in the annals of cricket history. The joy and euphoria that engulfed the stadium and the nation was indescribable.
The entire country erupted in celebration as India won the World Cup for the second time. Scenes of jubilation, dancing in the streets and fireworks were a testament to the unity and passion that cricket instills in India. The players became national heroes and every cricket fan had a story to share from that magical night.
Individual performances
The 2011 World Cup was not just a team success; he also put in some incredible individual performances. Sachin Tendulkar was the top scorer of the tournament, amassing 482 runs.
Zaheer Khan, the spearhead of India’s bowling attack, took 21 wickets, the most in the tournament. Yuvraj Singh’s all-round brilliance was recognized when he won the player of the tournament.
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Source: HIS Education