India take on New Zealand again. The last World Cup cycle has seen New Zealand haunt India at ICC Events, and now, despite India winning in the group stage, New Zealand will be eager to get things underway.

India were as dominant as ever in the group stage. Unlike the last World Cup, this time their batting line-up looks a lot more solid with significant contributions in the middle order. The bowling line-up stands as one of the best in the tournament with each of their five main bowlers looking as threatening as the other.

New Zealand though are making use of any resource they can find. After a good start injuries and player availability hit their team combination as New Zealand barely made the top four by the end of it. They are back at close to full strength now. Matt Henry is missing but Kane Williamson, who struggled with two injuries over the course of the tournament is fine.

IND vs NZ Match Details

Date: November 15th, 2023

Time:  2:00 PM IST

Venue: Wankhede, Mumbai

IND vs NZ Weather Report

The weather looks pretty clear for the upcoming fixture.

IND vs NZ Pitch Report

Wankhede has been a batting paradise so far. However, the pressure of a Semi-Final and two good bowling units could provide some balance. Batting first remains a better option given the stage of the tournament.

IND vs NZ Head-to-Head

IND vs NZ Predicted Playing XI

NZ Playing XI

Devon Conway, Rachin Ravindra, Kane Williamson, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Latham, Mark Chapman, Glenn Phillips, Mitchell Santner, Tim Southee, Trent Boult, Lockie Ferguson

IND Playing XI

Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, Suryakumar Yadav, Ravindra Jadeja, Mohammad Shami, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammad Siraj

See Also: Uncertainty surrounds Lockie Ferguson’s fitness

IND vs NZ Key Players

Ravindra Jadeja

No player in the current Indian Team will remember the heartbreak of 2019 as well as Ravindra Jadeja. After playing the innings of his career to get India close he fell short and so did India. He played a fine hand against New Zealand in the group stage but will know that this is the encounter to watch out for when he steps into the field.

Rachin Ravindra

Rachin Ravindra has been a sensation in this tournament. The upcoming Test though is likely to be his biggest in the small career he has had so far. Facing India in a World Cup Semi-Final in India, and opening the batting while doing so will be a huge moment for a player who has shown immense potential.

IND vs NZ Match Tips

India come in after a dominating group stage performance. New Zealand though has a good record against India, and are known to step up at the big stage. However, going by India’s depth, the situation could be different from 2019 with India remaining favorites.

Match Prediction: India Will Win the Match

A lot rides on this game. New Zealand’s result will be eagerly watched by both Afghanistan and Pakistan, who will later know how far qualification is after the fixture. New Zealand started the tournament really well but are stumbling now. Injuries have affected them badly but Kane Williamson’s return and form will be a boost.

Sri Lanka are into their final game of the tournament and will want to go out strong. They were on the receiving end of a tough game against Bangladesh, full of controversy. Angelo Mathews, the first to be timed out in International Cricket will want to make amends in what could be his last ODI.

NZ vs SL Match Details

Date: November 9th, 2023

Time:  2:00 PM IST

Venue: Bengaluru

NZ vs SL Weather Report

The weather looks pretty clear for the upcoming fixture.

NZ vs SL Pitch Report

The Bangalore track has been good for batting. Runs are relatively easy to come by with small boundaries and chasing is a better option.

NZ vs SL Head-to-Head

NZ vs SL Predicted Playing XI

SL Playing XI

Pathum Nissanka, Dimuth Karunaratne, Kusal Mendis, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Charith Asalanka, Angelo Mathews, Dhananjaya De Silva, Kasun Rajitha, Maheesh Theekshana, Dilshan Madhushanka, Dushmantha Chameera

NZ Playing XI

Devon Conway, Rachin Ravindra, Kane Williamson, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Latham, Glenn Phillips, Mark Chapman, Mitchell Santner, Tim Southee, Trent Boult, Lockie Ferguson

See Also: Mitchell Marsh Heads Home

NZ vs SL Key Players

Mitchell Santner

Mitchell Santner has been a silent star for New Zealand in the tournament. On a flat track though and with small boundaries he will be in the pump. With Sri Lanka good against spin he will be faced with a challenge here.

Angelo Mathews

Angelo Mathews was dismissed in the most unfortunate of manners in the previous game. In what could be his last World Cup game, Angelo Mathews will be hoping to go out with a bang after a tough dismissal.

NZ vs SL Match Tips

New Zealand come in favorites with Sri Lanka inconsistent in form.

Match Prediction: New Zealand Will Win The Match

England are winding down as they fight for a spot in the Champions Trophy. The upcoming two games could be the last for a few of their players while the Netherlands too are looking to seal qualification.

ENG vs NED Match Details

Date: November 8th, 2023

Time:  2:00 PM IST

Venue: Pune

ENG vs NED Weather Report

The weather looks pretty clear for the upcoming fixture.

ENG vs NED Pitch Report

Pune has been good for batting and batting first is a better option.

ENG vs NED Head-to-Head

ENG vs NED Predicted Playing XI

NED Playing XI

Vikramjit Singh, Max O Dowd, Scott Edwards, Wesley Barresi, Bas De Leede, Teja Nidamanuru, Roloef Van Der Merwe, Colin Ackermann, Logan Van Beek, Paul Van Meekeren, Aryan Dutt

ENG Playing XI

Jonny Bairstow, Dawid Malan, Joe Root, Ben Stokes, Jos Buttler, Moeen Ali, Liam Livingstone, David Willey, Chris Woakes, Adil Rashid, Brydon Carse

See Also: Uncertainty surrounds Lockie Ferguson’s fitness

ENG vs NED Key Players

Moeen Ali

Moeen Ali hinted at the need for change and some new talent after the World Cup. He hinted at ODI Retirement as well a few months ago and could be a question for the T20 World Cup as well next year. If the upcoming games are his swansong though he will be hoping to leave with a bang.

Logan Van Beek

Wickets have been coming for Logan van Beek but the economy is a concern. His batting too has been decent as van Beek is showing that he could deliver in both departments. He was decent against Australia with the ball despite all that happened and will be key against Bangladesh.

ENG vs NED Match Tips

Netherlands have played better cricket in the tournament but England could still remain favorites as they look to put behind a tough tournament.

Match Prediction: England Will Win the Match

Australia find themselves in a peculiar spot in the World Cup. No wins after two games and their captain looks to be struggling after a tough lead-up to the tournament. They have a bigger challenge now as Sri Lanka have done a fair job against Australia on spinning tracks before. Sri Lanka though are missing players and their injury list gets longer with their captain ruled out of the tournament now.

AUS vs SL Match Details

Date: October 16th, 2023

Time:  2:00 PM IST

Venue: Lucknow

AUS vs SL Weather Report

The weather looks pretty clear for the upcoming fixture.

AUS vs SL Pitch Report

Lucknow tends to spin pretty well but with dew normal at this time of the year batting second will be a better option.

AUS vs SL Head-to-Head

AUS vs SL Predicted Playing XI

SL Playing XI

Kusal Mendis, Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Perera, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Charith Asalanka, Dhananjaya De Silva, Dushan Hemantha, Dunith Wellalage, Lahiru Kumara, Maheesh Theekshana, Kasun Rajitha

AUS Playing XI

David Warner, Mitchell Marsh, Steve Smith, Marnus Labuschagne, Alex Carey, Marcus Stoinis, Glenn Maxwell, Adam Zampa, Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood

See Also: https://cricketwinner.com/cricket-news/crickets-biggest-event-kicks-off-as-a-generation-faces-off

AUS vs SL Key Players

Steve Smith

Australia will be wanting Steve Smith to go big. He is their best player of spin and he has been getting starts but is failing to convert. When the going gets tough he is usually the one they turn to and Australia will want him to step up desperately.

Dhananjaya De Silva

With Dasun Shanaka out, Dhananjaya De Silva is likely to have an increased bit of responsibility. While Shanaka’s batting form was a concern, his presence still made a difference and in his absence, Dhananjaya De Silva, who is likely to lead the side will have to do a lot more than he previously was to get Sri Lanka back on track.

AUS vs SL Match Tips

Turning tracks should put Sri Lanka ahead. With players missing and the bowling looking very light though, Australia could back themselves to get past Sri Lanka and register their first win.

Match Prediction: Australia Will Win the Match

Rachin Ravindra was very close to staying on the bench for the World Cup opener. Had Lockie Ferguson or Kane Williamson been fit, Rachin Ravindra would have sat out. Another player’s bad fortune turned out to be good for him though as Rachin Ravindra found himself struggling and finding redemption on the same day.

In the first innings, he was given ten overs to bowl and looked undercooked to start with. Conceding 76 in his quota of ten overs, England took him on. He managed a wicket but the runs came way to easy against him. Rachin Ravindra though still had a chance to prove himself. With Kane Williamson out there was a possibility of him coming in at number three.

See Also: https://cricketwinner.com/match-predictions/pak-vs-ned-match-prediction-who-will-win-todays-world-cup-match-between-pakistan-and-netherlands-world-cup-2nd-match

With experienced batters behind him, he had the license to go on the front foot. Facing a target of 282, there was all the more incentive to have someone go and have a quick hit. He took the game to England and went about in the nature they are known to play at.

He took on Woakes to start with and then went on a fearless takedown of Mark Wood. His approach against Mark Wood turned the game towards New Zealand as it set them on cruise mode shortly after. At the other end, Devon Conway was approaching his innings in trademark fashion. Starting patiently with his solid technique, Devon Conway started complementing Ravindra with some glorious shots of his own.

In no time both batters were rolling and Devon Conway went past Ravindra after Ravindra’s early onslaught. The left-handers went on to put up a 273-run stand which was so easy on the eye. Ravindra started playing positively early and put pressure on the spinners as they came on.

In the middle overs though he was happy to relax and allow Devon Conway to have his fun. Ravindra bought up his century in 82 balls, the fastest by a New Zealand batter in World Cups. He also became the second youngest after Virat Kohli to get a century in the World Cup.

Ravindra is seen as a long-term project, looking like a prospect from his under-19 days. He played his first under-19 World Cup at 16 and looked full of potential with his 3 3-dimensional ability. It was an innings for the dreamers as Rachin Ravindra came out and pushed the English Team with disdain.

Shahid Afridi, a former captain of Pakistan, stated that the BCCI would be severely slapped if the Men in Green won the upcoming ODI World Cup in India. After BCCI Secretary Jay Shah flatly refused to send the Indian contingent to the neighbouring nation, it is no secret that the PCB and BCCI are at odds over who will host the Asia Cup in 2023.

The PCB also retaliated, telling them that they would not travel to India for the World Cup if India did not tour Pakistan for the Asia Cup, setting off a chain reaction. However, Afridi, a former cricketer, stated that the management will need to exercise discretion and grant permission for the team to tour India. He went on to say that it would be a “tight slap” on the BCCI to go to India and win the trophy there.

“I don’t understand why they [PCB] are so adamant and keep saying that we won’t go to India. They need to simplify the situation and understand that an international cricket tournament is happening – take it rather positively; go and play. Tell your boys to get the trophy; the whole nation stands behind you. It’ll not only be a big win for us but a tight slap on the face of the BCCI,”

Afridi was quoted as saying by Cricket Pakistan.

Give them a clear message by bagging the trophy: Afridi

He also said that the PCB doesn’t have a lot of options and needs to be positive about going to the neighboring country for the ODI World Cup. Moreover, he added that packing the prize would assist with sending an unmistakable message to the most despised rivals.

“Go to India, play decent cricket and claim the win. This is it; we have only this option resorted to ourselves. We are supposed to go there, land back with the World Cup and give them a clear message that we can go anywhere and bag the victory,”

he added.

In the highly anticipated World Test Championship (WTC) final between India and Australia, former Australian cricket captain Ricky Ponting expressed his desire for fans to witness an enthralling contest that culminates in a definitive outcome. Ponting, widely regarded as one of the greatest cricketers of his generation, understands the significance of providing spectators with an intense and conclusive match.

With the rise of limited-overs cricket and the advent of various domestic T20 leagues, the longest format of the game has faced challenges in maintaining its popularity. However, the inaugural edition of the WTC injected new life into Test cricket by introducing a championship-style tournament, adding a layer of excitement and meaning to each match. Ponting’s remarks reflect the sentiment that the WTC final should exemplify the pinnacle of the sport, captivating fans and showcasing the enduring beauty of Test cricket.

The clash between India and Australia promises to be a battle between two formidable cricketing nations. Both teams possess talented players and have a history of intense on-field rivalry. Ponting’s words emphasize the importance of this encounter, not just for the participating teams but also for the spectators who eagerly await a memorable contest.

In recent years, India has emerged as a dominant force in Test cricket. Led by the charismatic Virat Kohli and boasting a well-rounded squad, they have achieved remarkable success on both home soil and abroad. On the other hand, Australia has long been synonymous with Test cricket excellence, boasting a rich legacy of world-class players and an indomitable spirit. The clash between these two cricketing powerhouses is sure to provide a spectacle for fans around the world.

Ponting’s emphasis on a conclusive result is indicative of his understanding of the essence of sporting competition

While closely fought draws can be intriguing in their own right, a decisive outcome adds an extra layer of excitement and fulfilment. Fans invest their time and emotions into supporting their teams, and they deserve a conclusive outcome that validates their dedication.

As cricket continues to evolve, it is imperative to preserve the essence of the game. Test cricket, with its unique challenges and strategic intricacies, holds a special place in the hearts of cricket enthusiasts. The WTC final serves as a platform to showcase the virtues of this format and reignite the passion for Test cricket worldwide.

Ricky Ponting’s desire for a thrilling and definitive result in the India-Australia WTC final resonates with the aspirations of cricket fans. As the pinnacle event of the Test cricket calendar, the final should epitomize the enduring beauty of the longest format, captivate audiences, and reinforce the importance of a conclusive outcome. By delivering a high-quality contest, India and Australia have an opportunity to inspire a new generation of cricket lovers and reignite the global fascination with Test cricket.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has scheduled a Special General Meeting (SGM) for May 27 in Ahmedabad. Following the meeting, there may be a special announcement.

The “Formation of Working Group for the ICC World Cup 2023” is one of the five points on the SGM agenda, and it is discussed whether or not the venues for the October-November championship will be made public on that day. It’s also possible to announce the organizing committee members.

To be clear, the dates and locations of the World Cup have not yet been made public, but it has been speculated that the quadrennial competition will begin on October 5 and conclude on November 19, with 12 specific locations across the nation selected. The final will be held in Ahmedabad, as is common knowledge. Whether the schedule will also be announced is still unknown.

In the meantime, the Women’s Premier League (WPL) committee will be announced by the BCCI. The IPL’s governing council held the first edition of the WPL in March. The possibility that the BCCI will now establish a separate body to oversee the women’s league received a positive response from both stakeholders (primarily owners and broadcasters) and the general public.

“Formation of Infrastructure Development and Subsidy Sub-Committee; Guidelines for appointment of Physiotherapists and Trainers in state teams and Ratification of Prevention of Sexual Harassment Policy”

are the other items on the May 27 meeting.

WTC squad to leave in 3 batches

In the meantime, it has become exposed that the crew individuals for the World Test Championship (WTC) last will leave for England in three batches.

On May 23, immediately following the conclusion of the IPL’s league stage, the first batch will depart. The second batch will happen after the first two play-off games on May 23 and 24 lastly the final group will leave on May 30, after the final on May 28. A practice match for the team in the UK is planned by the BCCI. The WTC last, against Australia, is from June 7 to 12 at the Oval.