In a heartwarming display of camaraderie, Rashid Khan, the celebrated Afghan cricketer, was seen joining former Indian pacer Irfan Pathan and his jubilant Afghanistan teammates in joyous dance moves after a historic victory over Pakistan in the ongoing ICC Cricket World Cup 2023. The thrilling encounter, which took place at the iconic MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai, concluded with Afghanistan securing a historic win over their formidable rivals.
Rashid Khan’s celebration with his Afghan teammates
Rashid, known for his exceptional bowling prowess, exhibited his lighter side as he enthusiastically participated in the spirited celebration alongside his fellow players. The post-match revelry was a testament to the team’s hard-earned triumph and served as a fitting tribute to their dedication and perseverance on the global cricketing stage.
The heartwarming moment, captured on video, quickly went viral, resonating with cricket enthusiasts and fans worldwide.
The unity and elation displayed by the Afghan team members, including the vibrant dance moves shared by Rashid and Irfan at the ground, showcased the unifying spirit of sportsmanship transcending boundaries and fostering mutual respect and admiration among players and nations.
Irfanbhai dancing with Rashid Khan after victory against Pakistan.
Afghanistan’s remarkable performance in the World Cup has not only garnered widespread acclaim but has also solidified their status as a formidable contender in the prestigious tournament. The shared celebration serves as a poignant reminder of the power of sports in bringing people together and promoting a sense of unity and goodwill on the international stage.
Former England cricket captain Nasser Hussain has expressed his concerns about the England cricket team’s performance and lack of confidence following their devastating 229-run loss to South Africa in the ongoing ICC Men’s ODI World Cup 2023. The match took place at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on Saturday.
England’s confidence crisis
Nasser did not mince his words stating that England appear to be a side lacking in confidence after a series of disappointing performances. Notably, England’s loss to South Africa marked their third defeat in the World Cup 2023, and their current standing is second to last in the points table.
“England look like a side that has no confidence. These three losses will hurt them. It happened in the last World Cup, but you felt it was a side that had confidence and they were playing a style and brand of cricket where they could bounce back,” Nasser expressed on Sky Sports.
An uphill battle for England
Nasser further remarked that England do not seem like a team capable of winning the next five matches consecutively. To have a chance of defending their World Cup title, England would need to win seven matches in a row, a prospect that appears challenging given their current form. Nasser emphasized the importance of making sound decisions in their upcoming matches.
“England need to now win seven games on the bounce to defend the World Cup, but they don’t look like a side that could do that at the moment. If they want to win every game from now, they need to get their decision-making right,” he added.
In addition to the issues of confidence and decision-making, Nasser also pointed out the physical challenges faced by England’s cricketers in the hot and humid conditions of Mumbai. Despite being a team known for its fitness levels, the players appeared to struggle with the conditions, particularly after 40 minutes of play.
“No matter how much practice you’ve had in the nets, or how many laps you’ve done off the ground, playing in this heat and humidity, you need to have proper match overs in your legs, otherwise you’ll cramp up. These are super fit England cricketers and within 40 minutes you could tell how much they were struggling,” Nasser added further.
England’s upcoming matches in the multi-team event are against Sri Lanka, India, Australia, Netherlands, and Pakistan. Undoubtedly, these games will be crucial in determining England’s tournament fate.
The match 18 of the ODI World Cup 2023 will witness a showdown between Australia and Pakistan on Friday. The contest is scheduled to be held at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bangalore, marking the venue’s debut game in the tournament.
Australia have suffered two losses in three games, while Pakistan have secured two victories but faced defeat in their recent encounter against India. Both teams will be eager to secure a win and strengthen their position in the points table.
ODI Stats and Records at M.Chinnaswamy Stadium
Total Matches: 38
Matches won batting first: 14
Matches won bowling first: 20
Average first innings score: 232
Average second innings score: 215
Highest total recorded: 386/6 (50 Overs) India vs Bangladesh
Lowest total recorded: 114/10 ( 38.5 Overs) India-Women vs South Africa-Women
Highest score chased: 329/7 (49.1 Overs) Ireland vs England
Lowest score defended: 166/4 (22 Overs) India vs England
M.Chinnaswamy Stadium pitch report
The Chinnaswamy Stadium provides an ideal setting for batters. While pacers and spinners can expect some assistance, the shorter boundaries present a challenging aspect. This is likely to result in a high-scoring encounter, with the toss-winning captain probably opting to chase. The flat nature of the pitch, combined with the short boundaries, makes chasing a favourable choice.
The weather in Bangalore will be sunny, with no chance of precipitation. The temperature at the venue is anticipated to be around 31 degrees Celsius, with humidity levels at approximately 49%, and a gentle breeze blowing at a speed of 14 kmph. There shouldn’t be any disruptions to the game due to weather conditions.
AUS vs PAK, probable playing XI
Australia: David Warner, Mitchell Marsh, Steve Smith, Marnus Labuschagne, Marcus Stoinis, Glenn Maxwell, Josh Inglis (wk), Pat Cummins (c), Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, Adam Zampa
Pakistan: Abdullah Shafique, Imam-ul-Haq, Babar Azam (c), Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Saud Shakeel, Iftikhar Ahmed, Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Hasan Ali, Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf
India will lock horns against Bangladesh in the match 17 of the ICC ODI World Cup 2023. The fixture is scheduled to take place at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Pune on Thursday (October 19).
Men in Blue remains undefeated in the tournament, securing three wins in three games and holding the second position on the points table. In contrast, Bangladesh have managed to win just one game out of three and currently occupies the sixth spot.
ODI World Cup 2023, IND vs BAN:
Date and time: October 19, 2023, 08:30 am GMT/02:00 pm IST
Venue: Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium, Pune
Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium Pitch Report
The wicket at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Pune is typically a batters-friendly surface with even bounce and carry, ideal for aggressive stroke play. Bowlers, on the other hand, must maintain precise line and length as there’s little margin for error. As the match advances, spinners could gain an advantage from the dry conditions, finding grip and turn. Therefore, opting to set a target when winning the toss is generally the favoured strategy at this venue.
The ongoing ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 witnessed a light-hearted yet heartwarming moment as fans playfully teased Bollywood actress Urvashi Rautela with chants of ‘Rishabh..Rishabh..’ during a match between India and Pakistan at the renowned Narendra Modi Cricket Stadium.
The incident occurred when the camera panned to the actress, who was present to support the Indian team.
Urvashi Rautela responds to ‘Rishabh… Rishabh…’ chants in Ahmedabad
The playful chants from the enthusiastic crowd caught Urvashi by surprise, leading to a moment of amusement for both the actress and the spectators. Despite the playful banter, Urvashi sportingly acknowledged the chants with a warm smile and waved her hands towards the crowd, displaying her good-humoured response to the lighthearted taunts.
Netizens appreciated the light-hearted exchange between the fans of Rishabh Pant and Urvashi, adding a touch of camaraderie and fun to the electrifying atmosphere of the World Cup. Urvashi’s graceful reaction further endeared her to the cricket-loving audience, making the moment a highlight of the event.
Notably, Urvashi has garnered attention for her enigmatic social media posts regarding Pant off late. The actress has subtly displayed her admiration for him on multiple occasions, sharing veiled messages on various social platforms. However, the cricketer has consistently maintained that he has no acquaintance with Urvashi whatsoever.
Pant is currently recovering from the injuries he sustained during the car crash in December last year and may return to action ahead of the T20 World Cup 2024, set to be hosted by West Indies and the United States of America in June.
India have successfully maintained their dominance over Pakistan in the ODI World Cup tournaments by once again emerging victorious against the arch-rivals in one of the most highly anticipated encounters of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023.
Babar Azam receives two signed jerseys from Virat Kohli
Apart from India’s dominance, the clash also witnessed a heartwarming display of sportsmanship and camaraderie when star India batter Virat Kohli gifted his two signed jerseys to Pakistan skipper Babar Azam following the match. While this gesture of goodwill and mutual respect between the two rival teams was widely applauded, it didn’t sit well with everyone. Among the many unhappy with the act was Pakistan legend Wasim Akram, who didn’t shy away from criticizing Babar.
Wasim Akram slams Babar Azam
During a discussion on a Pakistani TV show, Akram voiced his concerns about the timing and public nature of the jersey exchange between Virat and Babar. He also raised questions about whether such actions were appropriate after Pakistan’s loss to India.
“That’s what I exactly said when I saw the picture (getting the shirts publicly, not privately). Today was not the day to do this. If you want to do it – if your uncle’s son has asked you to get Kohli’s shirt – then do it after the game in the dressing room,” said Akram.
Pakistan’s innings got off to a steady start with Abdullah Shafique and Imam ul Haq providing a solid foundation. However, the Indian bowlers, led by the ever-reliable Jasprit Bumrah, picked up crucial wickets at regular intervals. Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj bowled brilliantly, claiming two wickets each. Babar scored a crucial half-century, while Mohammad Rizwan almost joined him with 49 runs. But despite the duo’s valiant effort, Pakistan was bowled out for 191 runs in the end.
India innings
In reply, India got off to a fiery start, thanks to a brilliant innings by Rohit Sharma, who played an explosive knock of 86 runs off 63 balls. Shubman Gill and Virat contributed with 16 runs each, but it was Shreyas Iyer who anchored the innings with a composed 53. KL Rahul chipped in with 19 runs as India reached the target with ease in 30.3 overs, finishing at 192/3.
In a high-stakes encounter at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, India emerged victorious against their arch-rivals Australia in a gripping match of the ICC ODI World Cup 2023. The contest lived up to its billing, delivering a roller-coaster of emotions for fans on both sides.
Disciplined bowling pack Australia at 199
Australia’s innings began with early hiccups as they lost wickets at regular intervals. They got bundled out for 199 runs. David Warner top-scored with 41 runs, while Steve Smith contributed a valuable 46 runs. The Indian bowlers exhibited exceptional control, making scoring difficult for the Australians. Ravindra Jadeja, with his precision, took three crucial wickets, while Jasprit Bumrah claimed two.
Virat Kohli, KL Rahul guide India to win
India’s reply displayed resilience and determination. Despite losing early wickets, skipper Virat Kohli anchored the innings with a composed 85 runs, while KL Rahul played a stellar knock, scoring 97 runs. India chased down the target, reaching 201/4 in 41.2 overs. The partnership between Kohli and Rahul was the cornerstone of India’s successful run chase.
Australia’s bowlers gave it their all, with Josh Hazlewood being the standout performer, taking three wickets for 38 runs. Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins provided crucial breakthroughs, but it wasn’t enough to stem the flow of runs.
“I was just trying to get my breath back. Virat said there’s a bit in the wicket, so play like Test cricket for a while. There was a bit of help for the pacers with the new ball, and then the spinners also. In the last 15-20 overs, dew played a part and that helped quite a bit. The ball also skidded on better. However, it was a bit two-paced, it wasn’t the easiest of wickets to bat on and it wasn’t flat as well. It was a good cricket wicket, bit for the batters and the bowlers,” said Rahul, who was named Player of the Match for his batting brilliance.
India started the World Cup campaign with a bang. Team is looking solid. Kohli never disappoints the team when he is really needed. Today was no different. And Kl Rahul is playing with great Klass. jaddu baapu tu to kamal che #IndVsAus
Pressure doesn’t get bigger than when you’re 2/3 in a WC game vs a charged up Aus. Then to soak the pressure, wrestle the initiative back, and win the game takes something special. This was a partnership for the ages Well played #INDvAUS#CWC2023pic.twitter.com/QDJ5uuR1TL
– 16 consecutive Test wins in 2001. – 16 consecutive Test wins in 2001. – 19 consecutive ODI wins at home. – India women ending 26 match ODI streak. – 32 years unbeaten at Gabba. – 27 years unbeaten streak in WC opening match. pic.twitter.com/CMo1E21HoT
Team India’s indulges in intense training session ahead of Australia challenge
As the world gears up for an enthralling clash between Men in Blue and the Aussie side, Team India players are also leaving no stone unturned to prepare themselves ahead of the important match. The same was evident as Rohit Sharma and Co. were recently seen sweating hard in the training camp ahead of the marquee encounter. However, amidst all the seriousness, a lighthearted moment featuring Virat Kohli has captured the hearts of cricket enthusiasts.
Virat Kohli adds a touch of humour to India’s practice drill
While the Indian cricket team is leaving no stone unturned in their quest for success, India batting maestro Virat added a touch of humour to Men in Blue’s training session by running in a hilarious manner during the practice. The video of Virat’s playful antic soon went viral on the internet.
Fans couldn’t help but react to Virat’s entertaining display. One user humorously remarked, “Same mood is needed in the semi-final,” while another praised him, saying, “Virat is an absolute entertainer. He keeps everyone happy.”
Virat Kohli on the verge of breaking legendary Sachin Tendulkar’s record
Aside from his playful antics, Virat is on the cusp of achieving a significant milestone. He is just two centuries away from equalling the legendary Sachin Tendulkar‘s record for the most ODI centuries. Currently, Virat has 47 ODI centuries to his name, while Sachin amassed 49 during his illustrious career.
In the thrilling world of cricket, where soaring triumphs and arduous trials combine to create a mesmerizing tapestry of dedication and skill, the ODI World Cup 2023 promises to be yet another unforgettable spectacle. As cricket enthusiasts worldwide eagerly anticipate this grand event, South African cricketers are also determined to clinch their maiden world title.
Amidst all the excitement and preparations, let us not forget that beyond the boundaries, there is also a crucial, yet often overlooked, element that acts as the bedrock of these cricketers’ journey in the form of remarkable women who share their lives.
Much like any other athlete, the Proteas cricketing stars also rely on the unwavering support of loving partners who breathe life into the tales of their success. These remarkable women stand side by side with their partners, offering a steadfast presence through the highs and lows of life.
So, as the world gears up for a month-long cricketing extravaganza, let’s have a look at the wives and girlfriends of South Africa’s ODI World Cup 2023-bound cricketers, who play an integral role in the lives of these sporting icons.
1) Reeza Hendricks’ wife Lee-Ann Hendricks
Lee-Ann Hendricks (Image Source: Twitter)
Lee-Ann Hendricks shares a beautiful love story with her husband, Reeza Hendricks. Their union in 2019 marked the beginning of an incredible partnership built on love, trust, and shared dreams.
2) David Miller’s partner Camilla Harris
Camilla Harris (Image Source: Twitter)
A professional Polo player, Camilla Harris brings her own sporting spirit to her relationship with David Miller. Together, they understand the demands of the sports world, creating a bond built on shared experiences.
3) Rassie van der Dussen’s wife Lara van der Dussen
Lara van der Dussen (Image Source: Twitter)
A math teacher by profession, Lara van der Dussen brings logic and support to her husband Rassie van der Dussen‘s life, creating a well-rounded partnership.
4) Keshav Maharaj’s wife Lerisha Munsamy
Lerisha Munsamy (Image Source: Twitter)
Lerisha Munsamy is a Kathak dancer with Indian roots. She shares a deep connection with Keshav Maharaj. Their shared heritage and love for dance and cricket make them a unique and harmonious couple.
5) Quinton de Kock’s wife Sasha Hurly
Sasha Hurly (Image Source: Twitter)
Sasha Hurly is not just the wife of Quinton de Kock but also a sports journalist who understands the world of cricket inside out. Her unique perspective and deep love for the game make her an essential part of Quinton’s journey.
Sone Martins is a radiographer by profession and stands firmly beside Heinrich Klaasen. Her support off the field ensures that Heinrich can perform his best on it, making their partnership a beautiful blend of personal and professional worlds.
7) Aiden Markram’s wife Nicole Danielle O’Connor
Nicole Danielle O’Connor (Image Source: Twitter)
An entrepreneur and the owner of “Nadora Jewellery,” Nicole Danielle O’Connor not only support Aiden Markram‘s cricketing aspirations but also thrives in her own professional endeavours.
8) Temba Bavuma’s wife Phila Lobi
Phila Lobi (Image Source: Twitter)
Phila Lobi is the devoted wife of South African captain Temba Bavuma. Her unwavering presence and encouragement have been the cornerstone of Temba’s success, both on and off the field.
9) Marco Jansen’s girlfriend Taneal Baptiste
Taneal Baptiste (Image Source: Twitter)
Taneal Baptiste is the guiding light in Marco Jansen‘s life. She’s a professional swimmer, and her dedication to her own sport mirrors the commitment Marco puts into his cricketing career, creating a bond forged through shared ambitions.
10) Tabraiz Shamsi’s wife Khadija Shariff
Khadija Shariff (Image Source: Twitter)
Khadija Shariff is the loving wife of Tabraiz Shamsi. She’s an LLB graduate and the owner of “Ballon Bonanza”. Her legal acumen and entrepreneurial spirit complement Tabraiz’s cricketing prowess.
11) Lizaad Williams’ wife Adri Williams
Adri Williams (Image Source: Twitter)
Lizaad Williams is married to Adri Williams, a Bachelor of Commerce Graduate. Together, they navigate the intricate balance between their personal lives and professional pursuits.
*Note: Gerald Coetzee, Kagiso Rabada and Lungi Ngidi are unmarried and single. Meanwhile, Andile Phehlukwayo’s current relationship status is not yet known.
As the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 looms large on the cricketing horizon, anticipation and excitement among fans worldwide continue to build. This prestigious tournament unites the most talented cricketers from across the globe, promising a spectacle of thrilling performances and unforgettable moments.
While the tournament promises to be a thrilling spectacle filled with awe-inspiring performances, the spotlight often falls on the bowlers who hold the key to turning matches in their team’s favour.
Let’s dig deeply and check out the top five bowlers who could be pivotal for their respective nations in the ODI World Cup 2023.
1) Kuldeep Yadav
Kuldeep Yadav (Image source: Twitter)
Kuldeep Yadav, the left-arm leg spinner, has been in scintillating form recently, making him a formidable asset for the Indian cricket team. His stunning performance in the Asia Cup prior to the World Cup has bolstered his reputation as a match-winner.
What sets the 28-year-old cricketer apart is his exceptional understanding of spin-friendly Indian pitches, which are often considered tricky for bowlers. He knows how to extract maximum assistance from these surfaces, troubling even the most experienced batter. His control over length and line, combined with his ability to deceive batsmen in the air, is what makes him a key figure in India’s bowling attack.
In the forthcoming World Cup, Kuldeep’s form and confidence will be crucial for India’s chances of success. With his knack for picking up vital wickets and disrupting the opposition’s momentum, he is undoubtedly a bowler to keep a close eye on throughout the tournament.
Mitchell Starc is undeniably one of the most pivotal fast bowlers in the Australian squad, and his presence will be a significant factor in their ODI World Cup 2023 campaign.
With just one wicket away from achieving a milestone as the fastest bowler to complete 50 wickets in ODI World Cup history, the 33-year-old’s reputation as a wicket-taking machine precedes him.
His recent performance, including a remarkable hat trick in a warm-up game against the Netherlands, underscores his extraordinary talent and potential impact on the tournament.
Starc’s ability to swing the ball at high speeds and deliver pinpoint yorkers in the death overs makes him a formidable force in white-ball cricket. As Australia aims to add another World Cup title to their illustrious history, Starc’s lethal bowling will be a key asset that opposition teams must contend with throughout the tournament.
3) Jasprit Bumrah
Jasprit Bumrah (Image source: Twitter)
Jasprit Bumrah unquestionably ranks among the elite bowlers in the current generation of cricketers. His remarkable resurgence following an injury layoff has been nothing short of astonishing.
The right-arm pacer’s recent performances, particularly in the Asia Cup and the ODI series against Australia, are a testament to his astonishing bowling abilities.
His wide array of variations sets him apart, including a precise slower yorker, a menacing bouncer, and a lethal inswinger. These variations enable him to outfox even the most skilled batters globally.
The absence of the Ahmedabad-born cricketer during the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup last year was felt keenly by the Indian team, but as they gear up for the upcoming World Cup, India’s prospects will significantly improve if Bumrah maintains his exceptional form. His ability to close out games by taking successive wickets adds an invaluable dimension to India’s bowling attack, making the Men in Blue a strong contender for World Cup glory.
4) Trent Boult
Trent Boult (Image source: Twitter)
Trent Boult holds a pivotal role in New Zealand‘s formidable bowling attack. As a specialist in striking early wickets, he has consistently proven his worth as a key asset for the team.
The 34-year-old’s ability to swing the new ball both ways and extract early breakthroughs makes him a lethal force in the opening overs of an innings. His knack for providing crucial breakthroughs sets the tone for his side. His contributions with the new ball are crucial in shaping the course of the game in favour of his team.
With Boult in their ranks, The Blackcaps possess a bowler who can change the course of a game with his ability to strike early. As they prepare for upcoming challenges, his performance will undoubtedly be a key factor in New Zealand’s quest for success.
5) Kagiso Rabada
Kagiso Rabada (Image source: Twitter)
Kagiso Rabada stands as one of the premier fast bowlers in contemporary international cricket. Known for his express pace, impeccable accuracy, and ability to generate sharp bounce, the right-arm pacer is a formidable force in the bowling department. His aggressive style and consistent wicket-taking ability make him a key asset for the South African team.
With a remarkable blend of raw speed and control, the 28-year-old cricketer has the knack for dismantling batting line-ups, even in the most challenging conditions. His adaptability across formats and proficiency in both Test and limited-overs cricket showcase his versatility and skill.
Moreover, Rabada’s fierce competitiveness and athleticism on the field make him an inspiring figure for his team. As South Africa heads for the mega ICC event, Rabada’s performance with the ball will play a pivotal role in determining their success, making him a bowler to watch and admire for cricket enthusiasts worldwide.
![World Cup 2023 [WATCH]: Rashid Khan dances with Irfan Pathan and his Afghanistan teammates after historic win over Pakistan](https://crickettimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Rashid-Khan-dances-with-Irfan-Pathan-and-his-Afghanistan-teammates-2.webp)
#PAKvsAFG #AFGvsPAK #AFGvPAK
@IrfanPathan pic.twitter.com/B2nstCwgRU
![World Cup 2023 [WATCH]: Fans tease Urvashi Rautela with chants of ‘Rishabh..Rishabh..’; the actress comes up with a priceless reaction](https://crickettimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Fans-tease-Urvashi-Rautela-with-chants-of-Rishabh-Pant.webp)
started the World Cup campaign with a bang. Team is looking solid. Kohli never disappoints the team when he is really needed. Today was no different. And Kl Rahul is playing with great Klass. jaddu baapu tu to kamal che 
Well played 
Immense composure by both ![CWC 2023 [WATCH]: Virat Kohli returns with hilarious run during India’s practice session; fans react](https://crickettimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Virat-Kohlis-playful-run-during-Indias-practice-session.webp)
