The ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 league stage concluded with India’s commanding 160-run victory over the Netherlands. One of the noteworthy elements of the World Cup thus far has been the Indian cricket group’s dominance. Here, we discover 5 key observations from the league stage.
1. Virat Kohli’s masterclass
Virat Kohli, on the age of 35, is perhaps enjoying in his last ODI World Cup and the Indian batter appears decided to go away a long-lasting impression. The former India captain concluded the group stage because the main run-scorer with 594 runs in 9 matches, boasting a powerful common of 99. He scored seven 50-plus scores in 9 matches.
Kohli started the marketing campaign by steering India to victories in opposition to Australia and Afghanistan, solidifying his repute because the ‘Chase-Master’ with scores of 85 and an unbeaten 55. Demonstrating his batting prowess, he exhibited his class in opposition to Bangladesh and New Zealand, hitting a 103-not out and 95, respectively.
The batting stalwart has persistently shouldered the accountability of setting imposing totals for India when batting first. Moreover, he additionally performed pivotal roles as an anchor batter on a number of events.
Kohli conjured a composed innings on a sluggish, two-paced Eden Gardens pitch in opposition to South Africa. Under stress, Kohli showcased his temperament and expertise, in the end unleashing a flurry of pictures on the finish for an unbeaten century.
Beyond his batting prowess, Kohli displayed his all-round expertise by contributing with the ball, claiming a wicket in opposition to the Dutch group and entertaining the followers on the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru.
2. Australia’s resilience
The Australian cricket group bought off to a poor begin with uncommon back-to-back defeats within the World Cup. Not many anticipated the Aussies to make it to the knockout stage after heavy defeats in opposition to hosts India and South Africa. However, the five-time ODI world champions showcased resilience and stitched a seven-match successful streak to seal a berth within the high 4.
En path to the semi-finals, the Australians created historical past by defeating the Dutch group by 309 runs, recording the highest-ever win by runs within the Cricket World Cup. Overcoming the early setbacks, the aspect led by Pat Cummins has gained appreciable momentum heading into the semi-finals in opposition to South Africa on the Eden Gardens on Thursday.
As they put together for the upcoming match, the Australian group has emerged as sturdy contenders to elevate the trophy for the sixth time.
3. Afghanistan and Netherlands, the shock packages
Afghanistan and the Netherlands exceeded expectations by punching over their weight within the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023. The Afghanistan cricket group’s surprising success within the event, securing a sixth-place end with 4 victories in 9 matches, took many abruptly.
They earned the repute of ‘giant-killers’ by beautiful the 2019 champions England, in addition to securing victories in opposition to formidable opponents like Pakistan and Sri Lanka. Despite a slender loss to Australia, attributable to Glenn Maxwell’s excellent efficiency, Afghanistan has demonstrated that their ascent within the cricketing world is the results of devoted arduous work and willpower.
Similarly, the Dutch cricket group, working with restricted sources and infrastructure, made a big affect on the grand stage. Their 38-run victory over South Africa surprised the cricket world and compelled the higher-ranked groups to pay attention to their aggressive spirit. Later within the event, they bought the higher of Bangladesh by 87 runs. Though the Dutch completed on the backside of the factors desk with 4 factors. The group shocked everybody with their talents within the event.
4. England, the worst defending champions
In current years, English cricket has loved a interval of appreciable success. Since Eoin Morgan led the England group to victory over New Zealand within the 2019 ODI World Cup last, they’ve continued their upward trajectory by clinching the 2022 T20 World Cup and asserting dominance in Test cricket with the ‘Bazball’ method.
However, the present group, which entered the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 as defending champions, skilled a tumultuous marketing campaign. Winning solely three out of 9 matches, the Jos Buttler-led aspect concluded the event with a seventh-place end. At one stage, England discovered themselves on the backside of the desk after a string of 5 consecutive losses. However, victories over the Netherlands and Pakistan of their last group video games ensured they completed within the high eight and secured a spot within the 2025 Champions Trophy.
The efficiency displayed by the England group on this competitors stands out as one of many poorest by defending champions within the quadrennial spectacle.
5. The Spirit of Cricket, the talk
The ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 showcased distinctive performances. Still, the event confronted a shadow of controversy stemming from a ‘timed out’ dismissal within the Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka match.
In a historic incident, Sri Lanka’s Angelo Mathews turned the primary batsman to be dismissed ‘timed out’ after an enchantment by Bangladesh’s captain, Shakib Al Hasan. Mathews had reached the crease 5 seconds earlier than the two-minute deadline however could not take guard attributable to a damaged strap on his helmet.
Bangladesh group appealed in opposition to the delay and the umpires declared Mathews out, triggering a debate over the Spirit of Cricket.
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Source web site: sports activities.ndtv.com
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