Which side will win the ICC World Cup 2023?

[MenInG]

This is what they are all playing for (and of course national pride!)

But realistically, who is like to lift this cup?

 

[MenInG]

Pressure or advantage? The conundrum that faces the hosts of each ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup.

If the last three editions are anything to go by, it is an advantage to be playing at home.

But, up until the 2011 edition, only one team had ever won as hosts, and that was Sri Lanka in 1996 when they co-hosted with India and Pakistan.

Even then, they only played two games at home, winning the final in Lahore.

Since 2011, a home team has triumphed every time with India setting the trend which Australia and, most recently, England followed.

Each team had unique challenges to face en route to the trophy, but what worked for the home teams?

2011: India’s legends lead them home

Legends were made, celebrated, and inspired at the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2011.

The final on 2 April was the most memorable day for the great Sachin Tendulkar as he was finally part of a World Cup-winning squad.

He made only 18 runs in the showpiece, but he had stewarded India there with a Player-of-the-Match- performance in the semi-final against Pakistan.

Yuvraj Singh had also done his job, winning Player of the Tournament after piling up 362 runs and 15 wickets, doing so without knowing he was suffering from cancer.

Each player was facing a personal Everest as well as the collective one of attempting to win a World Cup under what felt like insurmountable pressure.

To prepare, they spoke with Mike Horn, an adventurer who became the first person to solo circumnavigate the Equator, who put into perspective the challenge ahead of them.

The first challenge they faced was opening the tournament against Bangladesh, Virender Sehwag began with a boundary and that is how the tournament ended – MS Dhoni hit the winning six in the final against Sri Lanka.

The captain had moved himself above usual No.5 Singh, the change paying off as he then compiled 91 runs from 79 balls to see India to a second title and send the nation into ecstasy.

Doing so, the pressure was released and the curse of the hosts winning on home soil was broken.

2015: Australia surge to fifth trophy

The most successful team in the competition’s history, Australia were never going to be able to fly under the radar, and their performances in 2015 certainly caught the eye.

The World Cup started on a positive note when they beat their old rivals England by 111 runs at the MCG.

But spirits were dampened by a washout against Bangladesh before New Zealand took a low-scoring thriller at Eden Park, winning by just one wicket.

And hell hath no fury like an Aussie team beaten.

Michael Clarke’s men responded by putting on the highest score at a World Cup, crashing 417 against Afghanistan in a 275-run win.

Comfortable defeats of Sri Lanka and Scotland followed before Australia brushed aside Pakistan and India in the knockouts.

The latter became the sixth team to be bowled out by Australia in the tournament as they were reduced to 233 runs, 96 short of their target.

The same fate befell New Zealand in the final in Melbourne as they were all out for 183 which Australia chased down with 101 balls to spare.

The experience of previous wins outweighed the pressure of home expectations, not something England could say four years later.

2019: Four years in the making

England had never won the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup before and had been burned by a disastrous campaign in 2015.

But from the ashes grew new life, as captain Eoin Morgan led a rebuild with one aim, to win the World Cup on home soil.

There was time for beauty amid the ruthlessness, Ben Stokes’ stunning catch in the opener against South Africa firing up the tournament.

Morgan broke records as he blasted the most sixes in an innings against Afghanistan before Australia were blown away in the semi-finals.

The final at Lord’s was not about beauty or ruthlessness but as England attempted to do what had previously been impossible for them, they simply just needed to be in the contest.

The game ebbed and flowed as any good one-day match should before reaching a crescendo with a Super Over.

It almost had to be like this, the team who had set out to revolutionize the game, winning the World Cup in a way it had never been won before.

Now the tournament returns to the place where the trend started, and with India acting as solo hosts for the first time, all eyes will truly be on them.

But as 2011 showed, that is how they like it.

ICC

 

[kron]

australia, india and pakistan are favourites. any one of them can win. dont count us out yet please. england wont make it in my opinion as their players seem to past their peaks and their bowling isnt as strong without archer.
sneaky suspicion that either kiwis or lankans will make it to semis.

i am betting on australia to win it all again.

 

[Nikhil_cric]

australia, india and pakistan are favourites. any one of them can win. dont count us out yet please. england wont make it in my opinion as their players seem to past their peaks and their bowling isnt as strong without archer.
sneaky suspicion that either kiwis or lankans will make it to semis.

i am betting on australia to win it all again.

India can't be your favourites since you already said they were mentally weak and chokers

 

[RamLakhan]

I think ODI World Cups are now following the law of home advantage! So 90% chances India will win! Only teams who can threaten them are teams who are used to Asian conditions (Pakistan & Sri Lanka like how NZ troubled England in their favoring conditions, but Pak & Sri Lanka aren't strong enough this time).

India should make sure that they don't prepare absolutely flat pitches (even though pitches are made by ICC) and also should pick the right playing XI for Knockout matches...

I don't think any other non-Asian team winning this cup. At the most Pakistan can take the advantage & fluke it like they did it in 1992... OR Sri Lanka suddenly become determined as they did in 1996. Bangladesh & Afghanistan do not have in them to first pass the league games...

 

[ArabKnight]

New Zealand got this. They’ll win it.

 

[kron]

India can't be your favourites since you already said they were mentally weak and chokers

Things may change in home conditions. They are favourites, don't be silly. They have been mentally weak from about 2011 to now. Maybe this is the year for them.

 

[Nikhil_cric]

Things may change in home conditions. They are favourites, don't be silly. They have been mentally weak from about 2011 to now. Maybe this is the year for them.

They wont CT 2013 despite being mentally weak?

 

[shah9425]

InshAllah Pakistan

 

[kron]

They wont CT 2013 despite being mentally weak?

Champions trophy was a good win. Ok. So how many have they lost since 2013?

2015 wc - aus were favourites so understandable
2014 - india should have won
2016 in t20 semis dia lost to west indies? Choked after scoring 190
2017 : huge choke vs Pakistan.
2019 choke vs nz
2021 wtc choke again vs nz
2022 t20 - not favourites but had prep in IPl (u.a.e)
2023 choke vs aus

So failure after failure. What's your point?
Maybe they will win this time. India looks strong. Maybe they can finally break the hoodoo?

 

[Nikhil_cric]

Champions trophy was a good win. Ok. So how many have they lost since 2013?

2015 wc - aus were favourites so understandable
2014 - india should have won
2016 in t20 semis dia lost to west indies? Choked after scoring 190
2017 : huge choke vs Pakistan.
2019 choke vs nz
2021 wtc choke again vs nz
2022 t20 - not favourites but had prep in IPl (u.a.e)
2023 choke vs aus

So failure after failure. What's your point?
Maybe they will win this time. India looks strong. Maybe they can finally break the hoodoo?

2014 was a choke , no doubt. Since we were favourites.

2015 - Australia were favourites.

2016 - we lost to the best T20 side that thumped England and SA in the group stage and then best England in the finals again. A team with Gayle, Samuels, Badree, Russell, Braithwaite, Bravo, Sammy near their peaks - losing to such a T20 side is choking?

2017 - South Africa were ranked #1 and Australia were ranked #2. India were #3. England were playing at home
SA got beaten by PAK aand knocked out in group stages
OZ and NZ group stage knockout.
Home team beaten in semi but India choked?


2019 - England were #1. We were going to lose to them anyway

2021 WTC. - Choked. No doubt.

2021 World T20 - Pakistan couldn't defend a record 177 in Dubai but only India choked?

2022 World T20. - Fastest, best pace attack with best T20 spinner could not defend a low score .

And number 1 and 2 T20 batsmen combined couldn't do Jack.

But India choked ?

Ok

 

[Rana]

All signs pointing towards India

It’s their World Cup to lose

 

[sweep_shot]

England or Australia.

I think England.

 

[Rajdeep]

Let's not make it another India centric thread. OP asked which team most likely to win the world cup and there are 9 other teams playing as well...LOL

Lets strike out the easy options, team's we know that wont win and only acting as fillers. They are Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Netherlands, Afghanistan

So it leaves us with 6 teams - England, India, Australia, Pakistan, NewZealand and South Africa.

India - Home side and will definitely have advantage knowing the conditions very well. The team in great form too with Asia cup win and beating Australia. This is probably the strongest Indian side we have fielded since 2011 world cup. Infact, the bowling attack this time is much superior compared to 2011. However the issue with Indian team is mental toughness in knock out games. We have to wait and see if they can overcome it or will it continue to be an issue.

Pakistan - lots of myths has been busted in Asia cup but nevertheless it is still a very good team. Naseem Shah's injury is a concern but it is still a top class fast bowling unit. The problem will arise in spin department and I think both Shadab & Nawaz are mediocre bowlers. Pakistan should have selected a genuine spinner considering the world cup will be played in India. They also lack power hitting in batting like up. In venues like Bangalore or Hyderabad, most teams would outbat them on the flat pancakes. The good news is, their most important game will be in Ahmedabad where it assist new ball seam bowlers when lights come on. If Pakistan can win the toss and bat first, Shaheen Afridi can cause a lot of damage in 1st spell of second innings.

New-Zealand - forever underachievers who does their job quietly but extremely effectively. A lot depends on the fitness of their veteran players like Williamson and Southee. I think they are getting a good practice in Bangladesh but Indian pitches will be totally different. They however have good good hitters to take advantage of the flat tracks in India. I don't see them winning though...may reach top 4.

Australia - expected more from them in India series after their good tour of SA but left disappointed. However, they are resting quite a few key players...so it is not that big of a deal. The biggest concern is injury to their best batsman Travis Head...if he doesn't get fit...his replacement will be Labuschagne who in my opinion is the most overhyped batsman. Most Aussie players play IPL day in and day out...so know these conditions very well. They are a tournament team as well and should go the distance.

South Africa - no longer the force it was once was but still a very good side. Like Australia, their players also plays IPL regularly and very well aware of all the ground dynamics. They have got some good strikers in the shape of Klassen, Miller, DeKock and also good spinner like Maharaj & Shamshi. Their fast bowling is weak though and would greatly depend on Nortje's fitness. They are still my dark horse for the tournament.

England - an absolutely top class limited over team with no weakness at all. Each and every batsman is scary in that side, so much so that Harry Brook has to sit out. With the inclusion of Stokes, they would get that fighting spirit as well. Their bowling with Wood, Woakes, Topley, Curran, Rashid etc looks very good as well. I simply don't see how this team can't go the distance.



Rajdeep's verdict - India, Pakistan, Australia & England will be top 4 teams. It will be Australia vs England final with England winning it again.

 

[kron]

2014 was a choke , no doubt. Since we were favourites.

2015 - Australia were favourites.

2016 - we lost to the best T20 side that thumped England and SA in the group stage and then best England in the finals again. A team with Gayle, Samuels, Badree, Russell, Braithwaite, Bravo, Sammy near their peaks - losing to such a T20 side is choking?

2017 - South Africa were ranked #1 and Australia were ranked #2. India were #3. England were playing at home
SA got beaten by PAK aand knocked out in group stages
OZ and NZ group stage knockout.
Home team beaten in semi but India choked?


2019 - England were #1. We were going to lose to them anyway

2021 WTC. - Choked. No doubt.

2021 World T20 - Pakistan couldn't defend a record 177 in Dubai but only India choked?

2022 World T20. - Fastest, best pace attack with best T20 spinner could not defend a low score .

And number 1 and 2 T20 batsmen combined couldn't do Jack.

But India choked ?

Ok

We weren't top 2 or 3 even. India were? So you point is moot.


Anyway what is your point dude? You make no sense. India have been mental midgets/ chokers since 2013

Top 2 3 side in all formats but failed to win a single icc event since then? Sounds like new age South africa to me.

Pakistan on the other hand were borderline 4/5 mostly.

 

[Usman Chadda]

Let's not make it another India centric thread. OP asked which team most likely to win the world cup and there are 9 other teams playing as well...LOL

Lets strike out the easy options, team's we know that wont win and only acting as fillers. They are Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Netherlands, Afghanistan

So it leaves us with 6 teams - England, India, Australia, Pakistan, NewZealand and South Africa.

India - Home side and will definitely have advantage knowing the conditions very well. The team in great form too with Asia cup win and beating Australia. This is probably the strongest Indian side we have fielded since 2011 world cup. Infact, the bowling attack this time is much superior compared to 2011. However the issue with Indian team is mental toughness in knock out games. We have to wait and see if they can overcome it or will it continue to be an issue.

Pakistan - lots of myths has been busted in Asia cup but nevertheless it is still a very good team. Naseem Shah's injury is a concern but it is still a top class fast bowling unit. The problem will arise in spin department and I think both Shadab & Nawaz are mediocre bowlers. Pakistan should have selected a genuine spinner considering the world cup will be played in India. They also lack power hitting in batting like up. In venues like Bangalore or Hyderabad, most teams would outbat them on the flat pancakes. The good news is, their most important game will be in Ahmedabad where it assist new ball seam bowlers when lights come on. If Pakistan can win the toss and bat first, Shaheen Afridi can cause a lot of damage in 1st spell of second innings.

New-Zealand - forever underachievers who does their job quietly but extremely effectively. A lot depends on the fitness of their veteran players like Williamson and Southee. I think they are getting a good practice in Bangladesh but Indian pitches will be totally different. They however have good good hitters to take advantage of the flat tracks in India. I don't see them winning though...may reach top 4.

Australia - expected more from them in India series after their good tour of SA but left disappointed. However, they are resting quite a few key players...so it is not that big of a deal. The biggest concern is injury to their best batsman Travis Head...if he doesn't get fit...his replacement will be Labuschagne who in my opinion is the most overhyped batsman. Most Aussie players play IPL day in and day out...so know these conditions very well. They are a tournament team as well and should go the distance.

South Africa - no longer the force it was once was but still a very good side. Like Australia, their players also plays IPL regularly and very well aware of all the ground dynamics. They have got some good strikers in the shape of Klassen, Miller, DeKock and also good spinner like Maharaj & Shamshi. Their fast bowling is weak though and would greatly depend on Nortje's fitness. They are still my dark horse for the tournament.

England - an absolutely top class limited over team with no weakness at all. Each and every batsman is scary in that side, so much so that Harry Brook has to sit out. With the inclusion of Stokes, they would get that fighting spirit as well. Their bowling with Wood, Woakes, Topley, Curran, Rashid etc looks very good as well. I simply don't see how this team can't go the distance.



Rajdeep's verdict - India, Pakistan, Australia & England will be top 4 teams. It will be Australia vs England final with England winning it again.

Nortje is out of the World Cup.

 

[Bhaijaan]

Brain says South Africa
Heart says Pakistan
Soul says Bharat

 

[adi_62941]

Everyone here is saying that India is the favorite, but I disagree. They will be carrying a lot of pressure to win on their home grounds. However, as the ICC will take control of pitches and other aspects, I believe they may struggle at some point during the group stage. Pakistan has a good chance because Babar doesn't have much to lose. His captaincy is at stake, and this might be the last time he represents the Pakistani side as a captain if he and the team don't perform well.

I have high hopes for Australia, England, and Sri Lanka.

 

[sweep_shot]

Brain says South Africa
Heart says Pakistan
Soul says Bharat

South Africa are unlikely to win. This is not 1999 or 2007.

 

[Nikhil_cric]

We weren't top 2 or 3 even. India were? So you point is moot.


Anyway what is your point dude? You make no sense. India have been mental midgets/ chokers since 2013

Top 2 3 side in all formats but failed to win a single icc event since then? Sounds like new age South africa to me.

Pakistan on the other hand were borderline 4/5 mostly.

Actually , it's your point that is moot. Stronger teams have either won the tournaments or been eliminated earlier than us.

My point is somebody who sees Sri Lanka as a semifinalist in a 50 over World Cup cannot be taken seriously on these matters anyway.

 

[kron]

Y

Actually , it's your point that is moot. Stronger teams have either won the tournaments or been eliminated earlier than us.

My point is somebody who sees Sri Lanka as a semifinalist in a 50 over World Cup cannot be taken seriously on these matters anyway.

Are you trying to provoke? Find someone else for that.

Aus india and Pakistan are favourites. I clearly mentioned Sri Lanka may be the surprise package given they are missing so many players who will return.

Top 3 teams usually win the world cup.

If india fails again then it's a humongous choke job. Kohli known failure.
Rohit perennial failure.

Good luck

Oh sorry disclaimer. Since 2013 kohli has been falling in odi events. The least prestigious event out of the big 3 events is the one event kohli does well in.

 

[Nikhil_cric]

Y

Are you trying to provoke? Find someone else for that.

Aus india and Pakistan are favourites. I clearly mentioned Sri Lanka may be the surprise package given they are missing so many players who will return.

Top 3 teams usually win the world cup.

If india fails again then it's a humongous choke job. Kohli known failure.
Rohit perennial failure.

Good luck

Oh sorry disclaimer. Since 2013 kohli has been falling in odi events. The least prestigious event out of the big 3 events is the one event kohli does well in.

Brother, only Top 2 sides have ever had a chance of winning the World Cup.

If SL can qualify ahead of SA, NZ and England of all teams, what makes you think they can't knock PAK out of the tournament. They already knocked you out of Asia Cup twice in a row?

 

[mominsaigol]

Does anyone know if pakistan vs new zealand warm up game is live broadcast?

 

[Ahmed216]

Earlier I felt England or Pak.
Now its England or India

if conditions are not too spin friendly I feel England are the top contenders

 

[kron]

Brother, only Top 2 sides have ever had a chance of winning the World Cup.

If SL can qualify ahead of SA, NZ and England of all teams, what makes you think they can't knock PAK out of the tournament. They already knocked you out of Asia Cup twice in a row?

They could. Remember no hasaranga, lahiru, chameera or madushanaka
They are actually quite strong at full strength.

 

[ahmadharis1]

South Africa with a healthy Nortje would have been an interesting pick, I still back them to make the top 4 but that's a huge loss.

It's India's tournament to lose

 

[sam_ahm]

I've voted for India on current form and home advantage, but honestly we can't say. It will be close.

 

[Nikhil_cric]

They could. Remember no hasaranga, lahiru, chameera or madushanaka
They are actually quite strong at full strength.

Kumara and Madushanka are fully fit. Chameera is doubtful. Hasaranga is likely to be out completely.

 

[kron]

Kumara and Madushanka are fully fit. Chameera is doubtful. Hasaranga is likely to be out completely.

Yea they look dangerous now. Do not underestimate the lankans. Underdog but a good team to bet on. May sneak into top 4.

 

[Hawkeye]

One of the true top 4 sides are winning it.

No questions about it.

Among them IND has the highest chance, AUS and ENG sharing the second slot.

Pak is not really a true top 4 team, however had we fixed the problem of too many accumulators in the top 5 like Imam and Rizwan, Pak would have been in contention for the cup.

Now Pak has no chance and unfortunately they’ll think a semifinal or final spot is going to be a huge win. Which shouldn’t be the case as we’re not minnows either.

But I guarantee that we’ll be celebrating a semi or final place like the minnows do, if we make it there.

 

[hassan918]

India are the hot favorites at the moment but Australia and England will also be strong contenders. Apart from these three, Pakistan, New Zealand and South Africa all have an outside chance.

 

[happydavy]

I think ODI World Cups are now following the law of home advantage! So 90% chances India will win! Only teams who can threaten them are teams who are used to Asian conditions (Pakistan & Sri Lanka like how NZ troubled England in their favoring conditions, but Pak & Sri Lanka aren't strong enough this time).

India should make sure that they don't prepare absolutely flat pitches (even though pitches are made by ICC) and also should pick the right playing XI for Knockout matches...

I don't think any other non-Asian team winning this cup. At the most Pakistan can take the advantage & fluke it like they did it in 1992... OR Sri Lanka suddenly become determined as they did in 1996. Bangladesh & Afghanistan do not have in them to first pass the league games...

Actually during the last world cup, the 2 matches that England lost were to Pakistan and Lanka, so NZ didn't trouble them much ( final of course they did) but otherwise it was a smooth ride for England baring the 2 Asian nations.

 

[happydavy]

England without doubt is very strong with experience of winning big. Yet somehow have a feeling that bowling isn't upto the mark. Would be interesting to see how their bowlers do the job during this tournament because Indian flat pitches could negate a lot of bowlers. Certainly including Atkinson in squad seems like a huge mistake.

 

[jnaveen1980]

Whenever India is flying high doubts can't help creeping up. THey are bound to have a couple of bad matches. if it so happens to be crucial matches they will follow the familiar pattern. So i am going to be semi-optimistic about India.

 

[mikeypbadana86]

India is no chokers as people are claiming.

2007 t20 Imran nazirs run out titled the match in favour of India

Two ICB knock outs which could have gone Indians favour



2016 t20 workdcup ashwin bowled two no balls which got two wickets in vain

2017 champions trophy father Zaman got out on a no ball and went on to take match away from India

2019 world cup semis. It was no choke since the match got extended to next day since there was overnight rain. the dampness and overnight conditions made it bowler friendly for newzeland


2021 world champion ship and 2023 world championship : 2021 could have been draw but india went for a win with rishab throwing his wicket away


Under dhoni 2014 t20 2015 odi worldcup and 2016 world t20 - lost

Kohli : 2019 semis 2017 champions trophy and 2021 wtc

Rohit:2022 world cup semis 2023 world test champion ship

Any team would like chokers if they end up on wrong side of luck in knock outs.

 

[Bilal7]

Pakistan, England and India are the favorites. People are underestimating Pakistan but it's clear to anyone who understands the game that our side is filled with quality.

As long as we don't meet India in the semis, I am confident of a second place finish, at the very least.

India seem unstoppable at the moment but they might be peaking way too early. What happens if Bumrah and/or Siraj get injured? What happens if their batsmen are faced with the swinging ball in Dharamsala and the turning one in Chennai?

 

[BouncerGuy]

India won the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 on home soil in 2011 in what is one of the most memorable moments for fans in that country of 1.4 billion, and, 12 years on, the world’s best cricketers are set to captivate global attention once again.

The cricketing landscape has consistently shifted in time since and ODI cricket has continued to evolve with it. The cavalier attacking spirit required in T20 cricket has filtered through to the 50-over game – and even the Test arena.

England enter this World Cup as holders after a similarly aggressive mindset paid off in style in 2019, though the unforgettable final four years ago showed teams cannot simply go all guns blazing and must be able to adapt when runs are harder to come by.

That said, teams will be targeting higher scores than the last time the competition was held in India. What constitutes ‘a good score’ has changed in the intervening 12 years and totals which once felt a long way off are now within reach if a hard-hitting line-up gets going.

There have been 24 occasions on which 400 has been passed in ODI cricket and 15 of those have come since the 2011 World Cup – including each of the top three, with England recording scores of 444 for three (2016), 481 for six (2018) and 498 for four (2022) in the not-too-distant past.

The first two of those led to talk of the previously unthinkable 500 being reached at the last World Cup and, while subcontinental pitches aiding turn have dialled down those conversations this time around, the competition’s run machines will nonetheless be eyeing up the record books.

Batters such as India’s Shubman Gill, who averages 64.40 in ODI cricket and could be set for a breakthrough tournament on home soil, have grown up on a diet of T20 cricket which has seamlessly transferred into the 50-over game, while bowlers have had to adapt to respond in kind.

Pakistan paceman Shaheen Shah Afridi and India fast bowler Mohammad Siraj are among those to have done so particularly successfully while spinners remain invaluable, particularly those with the variations of the likes of Afghanistan spinner Rashid Khan and his box of tricks.

For all the emerging talent on show, however, there will also be no shortage of experience. Just three players in England’s squad are under 29 and 11 of Australia’s 15 are also in their 30s. Both those squads therefore contain vital knowhow when it comes to winning ICC global events while Virat Kohli is the sole survivor from the India squad that lifted the trophy 12 years ago.

A further point of difference from 2011 arrives in the form of the venues. India co-hosted on that occasion, along with Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, but are hosting the competition outright this time around.

That has seen Dharamsala, Hyderabad, Lucknow and Pune added to the list of host grounds, with the former – set amid the backdrop of the Himalayas – a particularly scenic destination.

The final will also be in a different location to 2011, when Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium had the honour. The huge, Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, revamped since the last World Cup on Indian soil on the same site as the Sardar Patel Stadium, will welcome the showpiece this time – as well as playing host to the opening game between England and New Zealand.

It could mean another tense, low-scoring final is in store – the average first and second innings ODI scores on the ground are 235 and 203 respectively – and it is almost impossible to call which two teams will be battling it out come November 19.

A cricketing feast is in store between now and then – sit back and enjoy the ride.

 

[Rajdeep]

Does anyone know if pakistan vs new zealand warm up game is live broadcast?

Yes...its live in India and UK atleast.

Which country you are asking?

 

[Rajdeep]

Pakistan, England and India are the favorites. People are underestimating Pakistan but it's clear to anyone who understands the game that our side is filled with quality.

As long as we don't meet India in the semis, I am confident of a second place finish, at the very least.

India seem unstoppable at the moment but they might be peaking way too early. What happens if Bumrah and/or Siraj get injured? What happens if their batsmen are faced with the swinging ball in Dharamsala and the turning one in Chennai?

You know we are playing well when even @Bilal7 praises us. Having said that, India is a meek cat in knock outs. So Pakistan would ideally like to face India in semi final than say an Eng or Aus.

 

[Ab Fan]

You know we are playing well when even @Bilal7 praises us. Having said that, India is a meek cat in knock outs. So Pakistan would ideally like to face India in semi final than say an Eng or Aus.

No love for South Africa now for @Bilal7

 

[mominsaigol]

Yes...its live in India and UK atleast.

Which country you are asking?

Australia

 

[BouncerGuy]

Australia

I guess it will be live on TV but there will be no crowd inside the stadium.

 

[Nikhil_cric]

Pakistan, England and India are the favorites. People are underestimating Pakistan but it's clear to anyone who understands the game that our side is filled with quality.

As long as we don't meet India in the semis, I am confident of a second place finish, at the very least.

India seem unstoppable at the moment but they might be peaking way too early. What happens if Bumrah and/or Siraj get injured? What happens if their batsmen are faced with the swinging ball in Dharamsala and the turning one in Chennai?

What if Haris Rauf gets injured? Can Pakistan beat SL after that blow?

 

[FearlessRoar]

England and India are favorites but Pakistan always loves to give Surprises. I will cheer for Pakistan

 

[indianpanacea]

Final will be between India and England.Let me tell you Pakistan stands no chance and I foresee exit after 1st round.Their is no middle order in Pakistan battin lineup..Tullabaz like Salman stand no chance.i bet unselected players will give tough time to World Cup squad members if they are made to play each other.Unselected XI
1)Saim ayub
2)Haider Ali
3)Tayyab Tahir
4)Sarfaraz ahmad (c)
5)Azam khan (wk)
6)imad wasim
7)Abbas Afridi
8)Usman qadir
9)M.amir
10) husnain
11)Zameer

 

[Asad T]

So now, with the squads for all teams released who looks the strongest?
To me, its India. They have home conditions, a good mixture of youth and experience, and no obvious weak-link except Shardul Thakur

 

[sweep_shot]

After the firepower England's B side displayed today, I think they are even more favorites now.

Top 7 or 8 of England's main team are all monster hitters (barring Root).

 

[Devadwal]

Does anyone know if pakistan vs new zealand warm up game is live broadcast?

All the warm up matches are going to live telecast.

 

[Cricket Warrior]

India have a fair chance in this world cup, but I think South Africa can also remove the label of chokers in this world cup as they are looking in good shape. their track record in India is so impressive even among the best in SENA.

 

[Devadwal]

After the firepower England's B side displayed today, I think they are even more favorites now.

Top 7 or 8 of England's main team are all monster hitters (barring Root).

Little bit turn offer and all the hitter will be failing like pack of cards.

 

[docteurmanish]

England is miles ahead. India has a 20 percent chance in a final if sky plays and fires .

 

[Devadwal]

England is miles ahead. India has a 20 percent chance in a final if sky plays and fires .

Just wait for India - England match and see how kuldeep,Ashwin Jadeja , Bumrah and Siraj destroy their so called big hitters.

 

[Cricket Warrior]

England is miles ahead. India has a 20 percent chance in a final if sky plays and fires .

on slow spinning tracks i dont think England will play their BazBall style cricket.

 

[160KPH]

I believe India are favorites because they are very dangerous in home conditions.

On the other hand, England’s batting lineup is so explosive that on flat pitches I could see them just batting most teams out of games.

My heart still says Pakistan though. We are at our best when they start underestimating us.

 

[ElRaja]

india have a massive advantage on batting tracks, the only team who can intimidate india is england, on a flat enough track england have the highest potential (450 level scores).

i believe england will make it to the knock out games, and from there all the pitches will be biased towards being pattas and hence i think england will beat india in the final.

still think aus and pak squeak into the top four, but pak will lose to india in the semi like 2011 and aus will lose to england.

 

[docteurmanish]

Doubt any pitch will be slow turning. It will be high scoring

 

[Devadwal]

Doubt any pitch will be slow turning. It will be high scoring

For initial part pitch is good for batting but later stage there will be slow turn which is more than enough for quality Spinners

 

[Cricket Warrior]

Doubt any pitch will be slow turning. It will be high scoring

while matches against SENA countries BCCI for sure will go for a spinning track.

 

[sweep_shot]

while matches against SENA countries BCCI for sure will go for a spinning track.

That can backfire because SENA countries also have good spinners (Adil, Zampa, Sodhi etc.).

 

[Cricket Warrior]

That can backfire because SENA countries also have good spinners (Adil, Zampa, Sodhi etc.).

but they are not much effective because they mostly relies on drift not tries to spin much.

Only Rashid Adil is the one whoz goona get the maximum support from indian pitches because he turns the ball quite well.

 

[King_Babar]

England, India, NZ, Pakistan. India to win finals against England.

 

[Nikhil_cric]

india have a massive advantage on batting tracks, the only team who can intimidate india is england, on a flat enough track england have the highest potential (450 level scores).

i believe england will make it to the knock out games, and from there all the pitches will be biased towards being pattas and hence i think england will beat india in the final.

still think aus and pak squeak into the top four, but pak will lose to india in the semi like 2011 and aus will lose to england.

England used to be that team in the previous World Cup cycle. There are teams that can out bat England - RSA, India, full strength Australia. Also, England have a terrible ODI record in India.

 

[Saj]

India won't get a better chance than this to win a World Cup.

Home advantage, bowlers in form, batters in form. Its their trophy to lose.

 

[ElRaja]

England used to be that team in the previous World Cup cycle. There are teams that can out bat England - RSA, India, full strength Australia. Also, England have a terrible ODI record in India.

nope, on paper no team bats as hard and deep as england, they've been a tad less aggressive recently but im assuming that the pieces will fall into place as the tournament goes on.

india has the second most destructive batting order, but are likely to temper their aggression in play off games, at least in the early stages of the innings, whereas england will rachet it up.

 

[Nikhil_cric]

nope, on paper no team bats as hard and deep as england, they've been a tad less aggressive recently but im assuming that the pieces will fall into place as the tournament goes on.

india has the second most destructive batting order, but are likely to temper their aggression in play off games, at least in the early stages of the innings, whereas england will rachet it up.

Actually, I'll have to disagree here. England were clearly the superior hitting side going into the previous World Cup. In fact, comfortably better than other sides.

India did not suddenly bat conservatively in the last World Cup(2019), their plan was always to be 45-0 in the PP and that's exactly how they batted all of 2015-2019.

This time, India has consistently scored faster in the powerplay period(2019-2023) and it has resulted in higher scoring rates for all 50 overs.

This time, the gap is very close between the top 4 sides - India, ENG, AUS, SA . We cannot just assume that England will hit top hitting form in the World Cup when they haven't done so in over 2 years when other teams have been doing so?

England's #3 is struggling worse than Kohli or RVD or even Marsh for that matter. Their spare batter(Brook) has barely scored runs in this format.

Buttler is nowhere near the force of nature that he was in 2019. It's actually quite a big decline. His and Bairstow's numbers are much more like run of the mill ODI batters now and have been so for a while.

Their best bet is for Malan to bat deep and Stokes and Livingstone(their 2 most explosive hitters currently) to smash the ball while batting with him.

Better English batting lineups have come to India under Morgan and have been out batted.

Not to mention the fact that England haven't actually beaten any of these teams - RSA, India, OZ even in one series in this World Cup cycle.

If England win, it will be because of the variety in their attack, exceptional bowling plans etc. I don't see them consistently outhitting other teams at this point in time.

 

[ElRaja]

Actually, I'll have to disagree here. England were clearly the superior hitting side going into the previous World Cup. In fact, comfortably better than other sides.

India did not suddenly bat conservatively in the last World Cup(2019), their plan was always to be 45-0 in the PP and that's exactly how they batted all of 2015-2019.

This time, India has consistently scored faster in the powerplay period(2019-2023) and it has resulted in higher scoring rates for all 50 overs.

This time, the gap is very close between the top 4 sides - India, ENG, AUS, SA . We cannot just assume that England will hit top hitting form in the World Cup when they haven't done so in over 2 years when other teams have been doing so?

England's #3 is struggling worse than Kohli or RVD or even Marsh for that matter. Their spare batter(Brook) has barely scored runs in this format.

Buttler is nowhere near the force of nature that he was in 2019. It's actually quite a big decline. His and Bairstow's numbers are much more like run of the mill ODI batters now and have been so for a while.

Their best bet is for Malan to bat deep and Stokes and Livingstone(their 2 most explosive hitters currently) to smash the ball while batting with him.

Better English batting lineups have come to India under Morgan and have been out batted.

Not to mention the fact that England haven't actually beaten any of these teams - RSA, India, OZ even in one series in this World Cup cycle.

If England win, it will be because of the variety in their attack, exceptional bowling plans etc. I don't see them consistently outhitting other teams at this point in time.

i said in the play off games, i meant to say in the knock out games, i know india have batted a lot more aggressively but where you and I differ is i believe come the knock out games india would reduce their aggression. maybe i get proven wrong, but my point is not technical, or strategic, but more psychological.

 

[Nikhil_cric]

i said in the play off games, i meant to say in the knock out games, i know india have batted a lot more aggressively but where you and I differ is i believe come the knock out games india would reduce their aggression. maybe i get proven wrong, but my point is not technical, or strategic, but more psychological.

I got your point but it's just that there is no evidence for that. That's why I mentioned that India were doing the same thing even in bilaterals before the last World Cup and even during the group stages as well.

And it's why I'm not entirely convinced that England can suddenly raise their tempo in semifinals this time unlike 2019. difference was that they had been doing it consistently for 4 years and the execution had become 2nd nature .

It's not going to be easy to suddenly bat aggressively when they have not gone at that tempo for over 4 years. It might actually backfire.

 

[jattafridi]

World Cup final India Vs Australia

Winner India

Player of the tournament Prince gill

672 runs in 11 innings
3 Centuries 4 fifties

 

[Suleiman]

Pakistan.

Not because it’s the best team,

with the best batsmen,

nor the best bowling attack

nor the best captain

But because it needs to lift this trophy now more than any other point in its history in cricket or as a nation.

In Sha Allah.

 

[Srinath_cricket]

i said in the play off games, i meant to say in the knock out games, i know india have batted a lot more aggressively but where you and I differ is i believe come the knock out games india would reduce their aggression. maybe i get proven wrong, but my point is not technical, or strategic, but more psychological.

I tend to agree. But I did saw evidence of otherwise in both the 2019 WC finals facing NZ spinners on a tired pitch and 2022 T20 WC finals on a seaming pitch against Pak pace attack. They were very nervous - I still remember Butler's look after every delivery of Naseem. Even the scoop he played for a 6 to get out of jail was a last resort attempt. They eventually won through old school approach from Ben stokes.

 

[shah9425]

Pakistan.

Not because it’s the best team,

with the best batsmen,

nor the best bowling attack

nor the best captain

But because it needs to lift this trophy now more than any other point in its history in cricket or as a nation.

In Sha Allah.

InshAllah

We trust in our team

 

[ElRaja]

I tend to agree. But I did saw evidence of otherwise in both the 2019 WC finals facing NZ spinners on a tired pitch and 2022 T20 WC finals on a seaming pitch against Pak pace attack. They were very nervous - I still remember Butler's look after every delivery of Naseem. Even the scoop he played for a 6 to get out of jail was a last resort attempt. They eventually won through old school approach from Ben stokes.

pak final is an anomaly, naseem got the ball to seam like a test match, and they knew the target wasn't huge. both unlikely factors in a deciding game in india.

 

[deltexas]

Can realistically only see England or Australia winning. India will be the league topper and then choke in semifinal- saw evidence of that in Jadejas knock. For viewership ratings Pakistan should the 4th semifinalist. Perfect scenario for icc revenue department lol ! NZ or SA qualifying doesn't get cash registers ringing.

 

[deltexas]

I tend to agree. But I did saw evidence of otherwise in both the 2019 WC finals facing NZ spinners on a tired pitch and 2022 T20 WC finals on a seaming pitch against Pak pace attack. They were very nervous - I still remember Butler's look after every delivery of Naseem. Even the scoop he played for a 6 to get out of jail was a last resort attempt. They eventually won through old school approach from Ben stokes.

And that belief is what makes teams win trophies. Natural to be nervous in a big final. Eng as 85/4 in the 2018 final and the rrr was over 6- any other team would have crumpled under the weight of that pressure. Champion teams always get a way out of it. And part of it was conditions driven- the pitch was seeming a bit unlike the semi final where they smoked Australia. But yeah Australia and England are presently the only teams that cam handle the intense big game pressure.

 

[VForVendetta]

Ind will possibly not have a greater opportunity in many years than what they have at the moment. For the first time in multiple decades we have a world cup where a SENA team isn't running rampant over others & coming as red hot favorites. Since 92 either Aus, SA or recently Eng always had that extra edge over others due to their dominant aggressive display in between the four year cycles. This time it's definitely not the case. Ind are the hosts, they are the most inform side, they have the most legendary batting line up of the era backed up smartly with an excellent yet underrated bowling attack, as a moral booster they have finally won a trophy after many years, everything seems to be falling in line for them just at the exact moment. If they can't win it then seriously it will be utter disaster. Having said that I am ready to bet 100% on the fact that no one other than Ind, Eng or Aus have any realistic chance to win. I just don't see it. These are the only three who play that elite level of ultra aggressive brand that is required to succeed in white ball tournaments. SA & Sri in past could play that, but the current teams don't give me any such confidence. Pak & Nz(with the exception of Bazz Mac's tenure) have historically played safe conservative cricket since 90's which might help you to reach semis or occasional finals but ultimately not good enough to win the trophies. Pak won the ct17 by actually coming out of their skin & playing fire with fire against Ind & Eng. Basically no risk no gain in this era. Eng, Aus & Ind are well aware of that & have prepared accordingly. Rest of the sides either don't have the resources or simply scared to change their approach.

 

[happydavy]

Pakistan, England and India are the favorites. People are underestimating Pakistan but it's clear to anyone who understands the game that our side is filled with quality.

As long as we don't meet India in the semis, I am confident of a second place finish, at the very least.

India seem unstoppable at the moment but they might be peaking way too early. What happens if Bumrah and/or Siraj get injured? What happens if their batsmen are faced with the swinging ball in Dharamsala and the turning one in Chennai?

What happens if India is set a target of 320+. Nine out of 10 times India will loose. Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul and Surya, none are going to win the match while chasing even a reasonably big target.

 

[mumtaz]

India is the best team in the tournament. The only way they can stumble is either through injury to someone like Bumrah or Kuldeep. Or if the conditions change dramatically in a knockout game like heavy dew.

 

[Thanos]

Pak has more chance of winning for being unpredictable.

India has more chance of not winning for being consistent. Consistency maintained since 2013.

 

[Cricket Warrior]

Afghanistan squad: Hashmatullah Shahidi (c), Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Ibrahim Zadran, Reyaz Hassan, Rahmat Shah Zurmati, Najibullah Zadran, Mohammad Nabi Eisakhil, Ikram Ali Khil, Azmatullah Omarzai, Rashid Khan Arman, Mujeeb ur Rahman, Noor Ahmad Lakanwal, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Abdul Rahman Rahmani, Naveen ul Haq Murid.

Australia squad: Pat Cummins (c), Steve Smith, Alex Carey, Josh Inglis, Sean Abbott, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Marnus Labuschagne, Mitch Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, David Warner, Adam Zampa, Mitchell Starc.

Bangladesh squad: Shakib Al Hasan (c), Litton Kumer Das, Tanzid Hasan Tamim, Najmul Hossain Shanto (vc), Tawhid Hridoy, Mushfiqur Rahim, Mahmudullah Riyad, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Nasum Ahmed, Shak Mahedi Hasan, Taskin Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman, Hasan Mahmud, Shoriful Islam, Tanzim Hasan Sakib.

England squad: Jos Buttler (c), Moeen Ali, Gus Atkinson, Jonny Bairstow, Harry Brook, Sam Curran, Liam Livingstone, Dawid Malan, Adil Rashid, Joe Root, Ben Stokes, Reece Topley, David Willey, Mark Wood, Chris Woakes.

India squad: Rohit Sharma (c), Hardik Pandya (vc), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, Ravindra Jadeja, Ravichandran Ashwin, Shardul Thakur, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Shami, Ishan Kishan, Surya Kumar Yadav.

Netherlands squad: Scott Edwards (c), Max O'Dowd, Bas de Leede, Vikram Singh, Teja Nidamanuru, Paul van Meekeren, Colin Ackermann, Roelof van der Merwe, Logan van Beek, Aryan Dutt, Ryan Klein, Wesley Barresi, Saqib Zulfiqar, Shariz Ahmad, Sybrand Engelbrecht.

New Zealand squad: Kane Williamson (c), Trent Boult, Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry, Tom Latham, Daryl Mitchell, Jimmy Neesham, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Mitch Santner, Ish Sodhi, Tim Southee, Will Young.

Pakistan squad: Babar Azam (c), Shadab Khan, Fakhar Zaman, Imam-ul-Haq, Abdullah Shafique, Mohammad Rizwan, Saud Shakeel, Iftikhar Ahmed, Salman Ali Agha, Mohammad Nawaz, Usama Mir, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Shaheen Afridi, Mohammad Wasim.

South Africa squad: Temba Bavuma (c), Gerald Coetzee, Quinton de Kock, Reeza Hendricks, Marco Jansen, Heinrich Klaasen, Andile Phehlukwayo, Keshav Maharaj, Aiden Markram, David Miller, Lungi Ngidi, Kagiso Rabada, Tabraiz Shamsi, Rassie van der Dussen, Lizaad Williams.

Sri Lanka squad: Dasun Shanaka (c), Kusal Mendis (vc), Kusal Perera, Pathum Nissanka, Dimuth Karunaratne, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Charith Asalanka, Dhananjaya de Silva, Dushan Hemantha, Maheesh Theekshana, Dunith Wellalage, Kasun Rajitha, Matheesha Pathirana, Lahiru Kumara, Dilshan Madushanka.

 

[Nikhil_cric]

India cannot win playing only 5 proper batters. It will be a disaster as usual in an ICC tournament. But this time, they are actually favourites and will only lose for this .


It's a combination that can never work.

Watch out for the Aussies who have nailed their selections apart from Stoinis. Just need Travis Head in ASAP