Five Most Anticipated Matches of the 2023 Men’s ODI World Cup

The ODI World Cup is the pinnacle of all cricket and it is set to return on 5th October, after a gap of four years. The World Cup will be played in the Round-Robin format as each team will face each other once and we’ll see ten teams clash for the four semi-final spots. The 2023 edition of the major event will include some interesting matchups, as well as the return of some long-standing rivals as well as some freshly formed rivalries. The 2023 World Cup is surely gonna be one hell of an event so let’s build-up to the excitement as we take a look at the five most anticipated matches of the World Cup.

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1. India Vs. Pakistan

The king of all rivalries, India vs. Pakistan, is without a doubt the most anticipated World Cup game this year. India and Pakistan were involved in a thriller at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) last year in the T20 World Cup, with the globe witnessing a Virat Kohli classic. The most recent meeting between the two teams has given an additional level of excitement to the rivalry, with Pakistan looking to avenge their 2022 T20 World defeat. As one team seeks vengeance and the other seeks supremacy, whoever wins the battle in the 2023 World Cup, one thing is certain: it will be a match for the ages. Pakistan and India are set to lock horns on the 15th of October 2023 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.

2. England Vs. New Zealand

England and New Zealand, the finalists of the 2019 World Cup, are set to kick start the tournament as they will meet in the 2023 Men’s ODI World Cup opener. The 2019 World Cup Final between England and New Zealand was by far the best knockout game in the ICC tournament’s history. England won the game but it was not a traditional win, England won on the basis of boundary count in the super-over as the super-over was also tied. The ICC’s rule of boundary count was criticized badly. New Zealand, the runner-ups of the last two World Cups will be looking to open their account in the World Cup with a win against the defending champions whereas England will be vying to hold the World Champions title and continue their domination in the white-ball cricket. England vs New Zealand will take place on 5th October at the Narendra Modi Stadium.

3. Australia Vs. England

Australia vs England, the oldest and one of the most popular rivalries in cricket is set to return in the World Cup on the 4th of November. England vs Australia is always a thrilling and high-intensity battle and it is going to be no different this time as well. They have faced off 9 times in the World Cup, with Australia leading 6-3. In the 2019 World Cup, England and Australia met twice, first in the group stage and then in the semi-finals. Australia won the battle in the group stages whereas England emerged victorious in the semi-final. Australia and England both are very strong contenders to win the World Cup and their game on 4th November is going to be a very crucial one for both teams.

4. Pakistan Vs. Afghanistan

One of the newly formed rivalries, Pakistan vs. Afghanistan, has evolved into one of the most fierce and high-voltage battles. Recent clashes between neighboring countries have resulted in altercations between players and fighting among the fans. Last-over thrillers and close games have elevated this rivalry to new heights. Pakistan will face Afghanistan in Chennai on October 23rd.

5. India Vs. England

India vs England is going to be a very crucial battle for both teams in their quest for the semi-final spot. The hosts have taken the risk of playing England at Lucknow which is known for its slow pitches, India might be able to stop England’s flow of runs but it won’t be easy for India either to score runs on such a track. India and England will meet on the 29th of October. India vs England concludes our list of the five most anticipated matches of the 2023 World Cup.

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