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ICC ODI World Cup Qualifier in Zimbabwe 2023 – schedule and where to watch

Tarkesh Jha
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ICC ODI World Cup Qualifier in Zimbabwe 2023 – schedule and where to watch

Cricket News: ICC ODI World Cup Qualifier in Zimbabwe 2023 – schedule and where to watch | Format for ODI WC Qualifiers

The Qualifiers for ICC Men’s ODI World Cup will begin on June 18, 2023 in Zimbabwe. Ten teams will be participating in this tournament and they will be pitted in two groups of five each.

Group A will comprise Zimbabwe, West Indies, Netherlands, Nepal and the United States of America (USA). On the other hand, Sri Lanka, Ireland, Oman, United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Scotland make up Group B.

Where to Watch?

The ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup Qualifier 2023 will be televised live on the Star Sports Network and will be streamed digitally on the Disney+Hostar application and website in India.

ICC ODI World Cup Qualifier 2023 tournament format

Every team will play each side from their respective group once. The top three teams from both groups will progress to the Super Six stage. In the Super Six, teams will have to lock horns with opponents they did not face in the group stage. However, the points won in the group stages will be carried over to the Super Six round.

However, there is a small caveat here. Only the points that were won against teams that made it to the Super Six stage will be carried over. Further, the finalists from the both the teams will qualify for the ICC Men’s ODI World Cup that will be held in India October 5, 2023 – November 19, 2023.

The 34 qualifying tournament games will be held in four venues, namely Queen’s Sports Club, Bulawayo Athletic Club, Harare Sports Club and Takashinga Cricket Club. Harare Sports Club will host the final whereas the warm-up games will be held in the Old Hararians Cricket Club.

“With two former Men’s Cricket World Cup champions among the contenders as well as emerging cricket nations who are aiming to qualify for the first time, this unique event, featuring teams from Africa, the Americas, Asia and Europe will be a showcase of the global game,” ICC Chief Executive Geoff Allardice was officially quoted speaking about the tournament.

Schedule of the qualifier fixtures and the warm-up games:

Warm-up Fixtures:

Tuesday, 13 June

West Indies v Scotland, Harare Sports Club

Zimbabwe v Oman, Takashinga Cricket Club

Nepal v UAE, Old Hararians Cricket Club

Sri Lanka v Netherlands, Queen’s Sports Club

Ireland v USA, Bulawayo Athletic Club

Thursday, 15 June

Nepal v Oman, Harare Sports Club

West Indies v UAE, Takashinga Cricket Club

Zimbabwe v Scotland, Old Hararians Cricket Club

Ireland v Netherlands, Queen’s Sports Club

Sri Lanka v USA, Bulawayo Athletic Club

Main Tournament:

Sunday, 18 June

Zimbabwe v Nepal, Harare Sports Club

West Indies v USA, Takashinga Cricket Club

Monday, 19 June

Sri Lanka v UAE, Queen’s Sports Club

Ireland v Oman, Bulawayo Athletic Club

Tuesday, 20 June

Zimbabwe v Netherlands, Harare Sports Club

Nepal v USA, Takashinga Cricket Club

Wednesday, 21 June

Ireland v Scotland, Queen’s Sports Club

Oman v UAE, Bulawayo Athletic Club

Thursday, 22 June

West Indies v Nepal, Harare Sports Club

Netherlands v USA, Takashinga Cricket Club

Friday, 23 June

Sri Lanka v Oman, Queen’s Sports Club

Scotland v UAE, Bulawayo Athletic Club

Saturday, 24 June

Zimbabwe v West Indies, Harare Sports Club

Netherlands v Nepal, Takashinga Cricket Club

Sunday, 25 June

Sri Lanka v Ireland, Queen’s Sports Club

Scotland v Oman, Bulawayo Athletic Club

Monday, 26 June

Zimbabwe v USA, Harare Sports Club

West Indies v Netherlands, Takashinga Cricket Club

Tuesday, 27 June

Sri Lanka v Scotland, Queen’s Sports Club

Ireland v UAE, Bulawayo Athletic Club

Thursday, 29 June

Super 6: A2 v B2, Queen’s Sports Club

Friday, 30 June

Super 6: A3 v B1, Queen’s Sports Club

Playoff: A5 v B4, Takashinga Cricket Club

Saturday, 1 July

Super 6: A1 v B3, Harare Sports Club

Sunday, 2 July

Super 6: A2 v B1, Queen’s Sports Club

Playoff: A4 v B5, Takashinga Cricket Club

Monday, 3 July

Super 6: A3 v B2, Harare Sports Club

Tuesday, 4 July

Super 6: A2 v B3, Queen’s Sports Club

Playoff: 7th v 8th Takashinga Cricket Club

Wednesday, 5 July

Super Six: A1 v B2, Harare Sports Club

Thursday, 6 July

Super Six: A3 v B3, Queen’s Sports Club

Playoff: 9th v 10th Takashinga Cricket Club

Friday, 07 July

Super Six: A1 v B1, Harare Sports Club

Sunday, 09 July

Final, Harare Sports Club

Will The Oval pitch spin? Steve Smith thinks so

Shahryaar Mirza
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Will The Oval pitch spin? Steve Smith thinks so

Cricket News: Will The Oval pitch spin? Steve Smith thinks so | Steve Smith believes The Oval pitch may behave similar to the Indian pitches

Steve Smith recently spoke about the World Test Championship 2023 Final with cricket.com.au, and mentioned that at some stage of the game, they may face similarities to how the pitches in India behaved.

The WTC Final is set to take place at The Oval in London. Typically, the pitch is wonderful to bat on and has good pace and bounce on offer. However, Steve Smith believes that as the game progresses, spin may come into play. As a result, Australia may have to face a situation similar to the one they faced on the turning tracks of India earlier this year.

“The Oval can present itself with some spin occasionally, particularly as the game wears on so we could face some sort of similarities to what we had in India at certain stages of the game,” said Smith.

“But The Oval is a wonderful place to play cricket in,” he continued. “Lightning fast outfield, the square goes whole way across the ground so it is a nice place to bat when you get in and has some decent pace and bounce for an English surface. Should be an absolute cracker.”

The Oval pitch: Spinners could play a role if conditions are dry

If one was to go by Steve Smith’s analysis of the pitch, it surely brings Ravindra Jadeja, Ravichandran Ashwin and Nathan Lyon into play. There has been a lot of talk regarding the number of pacers both teams should play, and many think going with four pacers would be the right thing to do.

Although that would not be a surprise keeping in mind the English conditions, Steve Smith’s words may just make a case for Ravichandran Ashwin’s inclusion in the India team in particular.

Ashwin has taken 25 wickets in four games this year, averaging a brilliant 17.28. His Australian counterpart, Nathan Lyon, has taken 24 wickets in five games this year. His average of 25.50 in 2023 so far is his second best ever in a calendar year where he has bowled a minimum of 100 overs in Test cricket. So, both could play in this game.

ALSO READ: India possible playing XI for WTC 2023 Final

Steve Smith has a great record at The Oval

Steve Smith has scored 391 runs in three games at The Oval. The batter averages a phenomenal 97.75 at the venue.

In his brief interview ahead of the mega event, he also talked about how he is expecting massive crowds for the game. He thinks and hopes the two sides will produce an absolute belter of a game.

The ICC World Test Championship Final for the 2021-23 cycle commences on Wednesday, June 7. With the two sides in good form, we should have a cracker that does justice to all the hype around it.

3 key player battles that could help decide WTC Final

Tarkesh Jha
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3 key player battles that could help decide WTC Final

Cricket News: 3 key player battles that could help decide WTC Final | Key player battles to watch out for in WTC Final 2023

Jumping out of the thrilling Indian Premier League (IPL), it’s time for the highly anticipated World Test Championship (WTC) final starting from June 7 at The Oval. This is India’s second straight appearance in the summit clash of the tournament, whereas Australia will be looking to emerge victorious in this game to bring curtains down on an impeccable recent run in Test cricket.

Both teams are stacked with superstars and CricBlog puts together three key player matchups that can have a key role in determining the eventual outcome of this match.

1. David Warner vs Mohammed Siraj

Many presume that the current tour to England might be David Warner’s final major assignment in red-ball cricket. The southpaw has struggled in whites lately and has aggregated only 36 runs in four innings that he has played in 2023. Experience counts big in summit clashes and hence the Pat Cummins-led side seems to be banking on him to deliver the goods once the time comes.

However, Warner will face a stern test from Mohammed Siraj, who has excelled in all formats this calendar year. He has been sharp from the offset, hitting the right lengths throughout and the tinge of swing that he is able to extract will hold him in good stead to draw the first blood of the Australian innings.

Siraj has dismissed Warner twice in 70 balls in Tests, conceding just 36 in the process.

2. Virat Kohli vs Pat Cummins

Virat Kohli will be the glue that will hold the Indian batting order together at the crucial number four slot. His proficiency against pace and the moving ball will mean that the Indian team will rely on him to get a big score under his belt.

He will be wary of the Australian captain Pat Cummins though, who will be steaming in at full throttle to make inroads and secure breakthroughs in that Indian batting order. Kohli averages 16.4 at a strike rate of 33.4 against Cummins in Test cricket and has been dismissed five times by the Australian pace spearhead. Cummins is slightly different from his predecessors and lets the ball do all the talking. His bowling style will thrive at the conditions at the Oval and Kohli hence has to overcome a massive task in this game.

3. Steven Smith vs Ravindra Jadeja (& R Ashwin)

Steven Smith and Ravindra Jadeja have engaged in some intense battles since first locking horns in 2013 in Test cricket. Smith has at times been at a spot of bother against Jadeja’s left-arm spin. However, his skilfulness has been demonstrated by his ability to tackle the same efficiently and in a more refined manner every time to meet each other next.

Overall, Jadeja has dismissed Smith seven times in Tests, out of which three were in India’s recently-concluded 2-1 win against Australia in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy earlier this year. The duo has never gone against each other in a neutral venue yet and hence Jadeja’s adaptation to the pitch at the Oval will be an interesting facet of this matchup. Regardless, this is one of the most instrumental player battles that could have a role in deciding the fate of the next WTC victor.

If Ashwin is picked for India, he could potentially trouble Smith. The offspinner has dismissed Smith eight times in Test cricket, with five coming since the start of the 2020 series at an average of 17.2.

Cricket News: 3 key player battles that could help decide WTC Final | Key player battles to watch out for in WTC Final 2023

India possible playing 11 for WTC 2023 Final

Shahryaar Mirza
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India possible playing 11 for WTC 2023 Final

Cricket News: India possible 11 for WTC 2023 Final | Possible playing XI for India for the World Test Championship Final

There has been a lot of debate regarding how India could line up for the World Test Championship (WTC) Final next week.

Ravichandran Ashwin or Shardul Thakur? Umesh Yadav or Jaydev Unadkat? Srikar Bharat or Ishan Kishan? These are just some of the tricky questions that the Indian thinktank face. Let us take a look at what could possibly be India’s playing XI.

India’s possible playing XI for 2023 WTC Final: 1. Rohit Sharma (c), 2. Shubman Gill, 3. Cheteshwar Pujara, 4. Virat Kohli, 5. Ajinkya Rahane, 6. Ravindra Jadeja, 7. Srikar Bharat (wk), 8. Ravichandran Ashwin/Shardul Thakur, 9. Umesh Yadav, 10. Mohammed Shami, 11. Mohammed Siraj

Key questions for India ahead of WTC Final

To begin with, India have a choice to make between Ishan Kishan and Srikar Bharat. Recently, Ricky Ponting, former captain of Australia, said that he would personally go with Ishan Kishan because he believes the youngster provides an X-factor.

However, Kishan is yet to make his debut in Tests, and was dismissed for eight runs in the only T20I he has played in England. Thus, it is unlikely that India take such a big risk in an important game. Even though Srikar Bharat averages just 20 in his Test career so far, he might get the nod because he was part of the side when India faced Australia earlier this year in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, and has experience playing red-ball cricket at the highest level.

How many pace bowlers should India play?

The decision regarding the number of pacers to play will pose another challenge to Rohit Sharma and the management. In English conditions, India are surely going to play a minimum of three pacers, with Mohammed Shami and Mohammed Siraj guaranteed starters. As for the third pacer, India will choose between Umesh Yadav, Shardul Thakur and Jaydev Unadkat.

India, having only one left-arm pacer in the squad, might consider giving Jaydev Unadkat a chance. But, with Umesh Yadav comes a lot of experience. The right-arm speedster has played 56 Tests for India, while Unadkat has played only a couple of Tests, one of them being in 2010. In the two Tests Umesh has played in England, he has taken nine wickets at an average just below 24.

If India is to play the fourth pacer, it will have to be in the form of Shardul Thakur, and this inclusion will be at the cost of Ravichandran Ashwin. Dropping Ashwin would be a huge call to make. With the likes of David Warner, Usman Khawaja, Travis Head and Alex Carey in the Australian side, the Indian off-spinner is probably going to be included in India’s XI due to the favourable match-up against left-handed batters and relatively dry conditions in London recently.

It will be interesting to see how India lines up for the massive game against Australia. The World Test Championship Final begins on June 7, and all eyes will be on the two sides to see who will be crowned champions.

ENG vs IRE Dream11 Prediction Possible 11 Pitch Report – Only Test

Charbel Coorey
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ENG vs IRE Dream11 Prediction Possible 11 Pitch Report – Only Test

ENG vs IRE Test Dream11 Prediction Possible 11 Pitch Report | ENG vs IRE Only Test Dream11 Prediction | Lord’s Pitch Report

After a plethora of white-ball cricket, headlined by a thrilling Indian Premier League (IPL) season, attention now turns to the game’s most traditional format. However, that T20 feel might stick around, with England sure to turn on their attacking style against an Ireland side aiming to cause the home team similar problems as 2019.

Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum have turned England’s Test fortunes around following a horror run, with a focus on attack. The England captain called for “fast, flat” pitches for this summer’s Ashes series, and those conditions are set for Lord’s as the home side looks to ramp up their preparations for the big showdown against Australia.

Indeed, the task is difficult in more ways than one for the Irish. After the 2019 Test at Lord’s, they did not play a single Test match until last month where they played Bangladesh (one-off game) and Sri Lanka (two matches) in Asia. They had their moments at times, but a whole different challenge awaits Andy Balbirnie and his men here.

Nevertheless, it is an opportunity – and rare one at that – for Ireland make progress in Test cricket before embarking on their ODI World Cup Qualifier campaign later this month.

Match Details

  • Dates: 1-5 June 2023.
  • Time: 11am (local), 3:30pm (IST).
  • Location: Lord’s, London.
  • For more cricket fixtures around the world, visit Fixture Calendar.

ENG vs IRE Test: Possible Playing XIs

England have confirmed their XI for the one-off Test. Chris Woakes has missed out, with Josh Tongue to make his debut. Jonny Bairstow will take the gloves.

England: 1. Zak Crawley, 2. Ben Duckett, 3. Ollie Pope, 4. Joe Root, 5. Harry Brook, 6. Ben Stokes (c), 7. Jonny Bairstow (wk), 8. Stuart Broad, 9. Matthew Potts, 10. Josh Tongue, 11. Jack Leach

Josh Little featured in the IPL 2023 Final just days ago, so is unavailable for this match.

Ireland: 1. James McCollum, 2. PJ Moor, 3. Andy Balbirnie (c), 4. Harry Tector, 5. Paul Stirling, 6. Lorcan Tucker (wk), 7. Curtis Campher, 8. Andy McBrine, 9. Mark Adair, 10. Graham Hume, 11. Craig Young

Key Players to Watch/Key Stats

England:

  • Joe Root has the third-most runs of any player at Lord’s. England’s number four has scored 1,624 runs at an average of 52.38 on this ground.
  • Harry Brook is back in the format he’s been magnificent in so far. In six Tests, Brook has hammered 809 runs at an average of 80.90 and strike rate of 98.77. This includes four centuries and three half-centuries.
  • Jonny Bairstow is back in England’s lineup. In 2022, he belted 1,061 runs at an average of 66.31 in ten Tests.
  • Expect debutant Josh Tongue to look for wickets regularly. He has a strike rate of just 45.8 in 47 First Class matches to date, with Ben Stokes describing him as an “X-Factor” player.
  • Stuart Broad is one of two bowlers (along with James Anderson) to take at least 100 Test wickets at Lord’s. The seamer has 102 to his name at an average of 27.93, including seven against Ireland in 2019.
  • Matthew Potts comes into this game in fine form. He has taken 28 wickets in his last eight innings in the County Championship.

Ireland:

  • Andy Balbirnie is key for Ireland. The captain struck a half-century against England at Lord’s four years ago.
  • James McCollom and PJ Moor smashed unbeaten hundreds in their chase of 232 against Essex last week.
  • Lorcan Tucker is Ireland’s leading run-scorer in Tests this year (289, avg. 48.16). Harry Tector is just behind him on 285, with three half-centuries in as many games.
  • Mark Adair took 3/32 and 3/66 against England at Lord’s in 2019. His ability to move the new ball will be key in these conditions.

Other Stats and Facts

  • Ireland bowled England out for 85 at Lord’s in 2019, but the home side bounced back to win by 143 runs. The Irish were rolled for 38 in their chase of 182.
  • Jack Leach hit 92 against Ireland in that Lord’s Test.
  • Ollie Pope has scored 91, 122*, 8, 26, 47 and 32 in his past six County innings.
  • Joe Root needs 52 runs to reach 11,000 in Tests. Only ten others have reached this mark in history.

Lord’s Pitch Report and Weather

There is a tinge of green on the Lord’s pitch according to ESPNcricinfo. However, it should be a pretty good batting surface after the first session of play in what is forecast to be dry, mostly sunny conditions right throughout the Test.

ENG vs IRE Dream11 Prediction Only Test 2023

Option 1:

ENG vs IRE Test Dream11 Prediction Possible 11 Pitch Report | ENG vs IRE Only Test Dream11 Prediction | Lord's Pitch Report
ENG vs IRE Dream11 Prediction Only Test 2023

Option 2:

ENG vs IRE Test Dream11 Prediction Possible 11 Pitch Report | ENG vs IRE Only Test Dream11 Prediction | Lord's Pitch Report
ENG vs IRE Dream11 Prediction Only Test 2023

ENG vs IRE Only Test Match Prediction – Who will win?

England will win this match comfortably.

Disclaimer: The fantasy cricket stats, tips and predictions provided on CricBlog are intended for informational purposes, with the stats and writer’s views in place to guide fans in creating their teams. While we strive to offer accurate and insightful advice, CricBlog does not guarantee success or winnings in any fantasy contests. Users are encouraged to make their own informed decisions and play responsibly.

Top 5 richest sports owners in the world 2023

Shahryaar Mirza
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Top 5 richest sports owners in the world 2023

Cricket News: Top 5 richest sports owners in the world 2023 | List of the richest sports owners in the world: who takes out number one?

Today, a number of rich businessmen and entrepreneurs worldwide invest in sports teams or buy them to have full control. Mukesh Ambani is one such businessman-cum-sports owner who we, the cricket fans, know of with his affiliation with Mumbai Indians (MI).

But, is Mukesh Ambani the richest sports owner in the world? According to Forbes, below is where Ambani ranks amongst the top five richest sports owners in the world.

List of richest sports owners in the world 2023

5. Mark Mateschitz

According to Forbes, Mark Mateschitz, with a net worth of $34.7 billion, is the fifth richest sports owner in the world.

Mark Mateschitz is the son of Dietrich Mateschitz, who passed away last year in October. Dietrich Mateschitz was the co-founder of Red Bull GmbH, and owned 49% of its stakes. After his demise, his only son, Mark Mateschitz, inherited the 49% of Red Bull that his father owned. He also has stakes in football clubs RB Leipzig and New York Red Bulls, as well as in Formula 1 racing teams Red Bull Racing and Scuderia AlphaTauri.

4. François-Henri Pinault and family

With a net worth of $40.1 billion, François Pinault and family lie at the fourth position.

The French businessman is the founder of global luxury brand Kering, which supervises some of the biggest and most iconic fashion brands, including Gucci. In 1998, Pinault bought the football club Stade Rennais F.C. and still owns it today. The club last won a trophy in 2019, where they defeated Paris Saint-Germain in the final to lift the Coupe de France trophy. They have also defeated PSG thrice in their last four meetings since Lionel Messi joined the Paris based club.

3. Samuel Robson Walton

A net worth of $57.6 billion makes Samuel Robson Walton the third richest sports owner in the world.

Rob Walton is one of the Walmart heirs, and the eldest son of Sam Walton, the founder of Walmart. Rob Walton bought the American football franchise, Denver Broncos, in June, 2022. The team was sold for a whopping $4.65 billion, making it a record sale.

2. Steven Anthony Ballmer

Steve Ballmer, the billionaire businessman from the USA, is the second richest sports owner. His net worth is estimated at a phenomenal $80.7 billion.

Steve Ballmer was the Chief Executive Officer at Microsoft for almost a decade and a half, from 2000 to 2014. In 2014, he reached a deal to buy Los Angeles Clippers, a basketball team that participates in the National Basketball Association, for $2 billion.

1. Mukesh Dhirubhai Ambani

In first position is one of the richest people in the world; Indian billionaire, Mukesh Ambani.

Mukesh Ambani is the chairman and managing director of Reliance Industries Limited, which was founded by his deceased father, Dhirajlal Hirachand Ambani. As per Mint, Mukesh Ambani bought Mumbai Indians (MI) for $111.9 million in 2008. The franchise is the joint-most successful franchise in the history of the Indian Premier League, with a total of five titles.

He also purchased cricket franchises in the International League T20 (United Arab Emirates), SA20 (South Africa) and Women’s Premier League (India). His net worth is estimated to be a mind-boggling $83.4 billion.

ALSO READ: Most valuable Indian Premier League franchises 2023 – where do Mumbai Indians rank?

Who hit the most sixes in IPL 2023? Stats highlights from an incredible season

Charbel Coorey
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Who hit the most sixes in IPL 2023? Stats highlights from an incredible season

Cricket News: Who hit the most sixes in IPL 2023? Stats highlights from an incredible season | IPL 2023 stats: fours, sixes and more

Faf du Plessis may have missed out on the Orange Cap, but the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) captain finished the 2023 Indian Premier League (IPL) season with the most sixes. The opener hit 36 sixes in the campaign, finishing ahead of Shivam Dube (35), Shubman Gill (33) and Ruturaj Gaikwad (30), who were all involved in the playoffs.

Glenn Maxwell was also in the top five with 31 maximums.

IPL 2023 stats highlights – a memorable tournament filled with big scores

This infographic from GrabOn paints the picture. Superstar Shubman Gill topped the run-scoring charts as well as the most fours, hitting 85 of them across 17 matches. Yashasvi Jaiswal came in second with 82, followed by Devon Conway (77), David Warner (69) and Virat Kohli (65).

Gujarat Titans had the top-three wicket-takers – Mohammed Shami, Mohit Sharma and Rashid Khan – which makes their loss in the final all the more heartbreaking. Piyush Chawla and Yuzvendra Chahal round out the top five.

View the full infographic here.

Other notable stats from the tournament:

  • Most 200+ totals in a season (37)
  • Most matches with an aggregate of 400+ runs in a single edition (16)
  • IPL 2023 saw the first instance of two players from different teams score a hundred in the same game (Heinrich Klaasen and Virat Kohli)
  • Shubman Gill hit the highest individual score in a playoffs match (129)
  • Most hundreds struck by different players in a season (12)

Is there a reserve day for the WTC Final 2023?

Charbel Coorey
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0
Is there a reserve day for the WTC Final 2023?

Cricket News: Is there a reserve day for the WTC Final 2023? | Details on whether there is a reserve day for the World Test Championship Final

The 2023 World Test Championship (WTC) Final will have a reserve day on June 12 should weather play spoilsport at The Oval. This comes as welcome news given England’s history of rain-affected days, with the 2021 Final between New Zealand and India going into a sixth day after no play was possible on days one and four.

Conditions in London in the lead up to the WTC 2023 Final, which kicks off on Wednesday June 7, looks promising. Mostly sunny weather is forecast in the week leading into the big match, with temperatures hovering around the 20-degree mark.

Wasim Khan, ICC general manager of cricket, said “we hope the weather stays clear so we can get the full amount of cricket, though we have a reserve day to make up for lost time.”

Reserve day confirmed for WTC Final where first four days are sold out

Khan was asked why England was chosen again for the final after hosting a rain-interrupted final in 2019. He said the schedule of the WTC cycle makes England the optimal choice given the time of year.

“The way the WTC cycle is set up, we are playing in the northern hemisphere summer,” he said. “We look for diverse venues, currently as it stands within England. Lord’s was considered, but decision was made on The Oval for this edition.”

“we hope the weather stays clear so we can get the full amount of cricket, though we have a reserve day to make up for lost time.”

Wasim Khan, ICC general manager of cricket

The first four days of the WTC Final are sold out. If conditions are kind, we could be in for an enthralling contest between two countries who have battled out some of the most memorable Tests in recent years.

“We are expecting full crowds for each of at least the first four days. We know we are heading in the right direction,” said Khan.

ALSO READ: Australia possible 11 for WTC Final – Scott Boland or Josh Hazlewood?

CricBlog’s IPL 2023 Team of the Tournament

Tarkesh Jha
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CricBlog’s IPL 2023 Team of the Tournament

Cricket News: CricBlog’s IPL 2023 Team of the Tournament | Who makes the IPL 2023 team of the tournament?

The 2023 season is arguably the best ever edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL). Packed with entertainment, thrilling finishes and wonderful performances, the season offers a brilliant opportunity to sketch out the ‘Team of the Tournament’.

Without further ado, let us take a look at our picks for what appears to be the most impressive side that could be made from the latest season of the IPL, where CSK emerged victorious in thrilling fashion.

1. Faf du Plessis (C) (OS)

The Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) skipper demonstrated some unreal consistency with the bat this season. He aggregated 730 runs after 14 matches with an average and strike rate of 56.15 and 153.68 respectively, which included eight half-centuries. He held the Orange Cap after the conclusion of the group stage.

2. Shubman Gill

The Orange Cap winner and second-most runs ever in a season with 890. Shubman Gill was outstanding in IPL 2023, coming alive towards the backend of the season where he struck three centuries in five matches. This includes the world class 129 against MI in Qualifier 2.

He was impeccable in terms of steering the chase and cruising his team to victories, and thus pips the magnificent Yashasvi Jaiswal for this spot.

3. Suryakumar Yadav

Cricket News: CricBlog's IPL 2023 Team of the Tournament | Who makes the IPL 2023 team of the tournament?
CricBlog’s IPL 2023 Team of the Tournament: Suryakumar Yadav

Suryakumar Yadav kicked off his IPL campaign on a slightly uncertain note but he ended up notching 605 runs at a magnificent strike rate of 181.13. He gradually got in the groove and so did the Mumbai Indians (MI) as the 32-year-old hit five fifties and a century to help spearhead their victories in multiple important games in this campaign.

4. Shivam Dube

Shivam Dube has had a breakthrough season this time around, scoring 418 runs at a strike rate of 158.33 in 14 innings. He hit 35 sixes along with 12 fours and took game to the opposition in the middle-overs by dominating against both spinners and pacers. He was key in CSK’s triumph.

5. Rinku Singh

CricBlog’s IPL 2023 Team of the Tournament: Rinku Singh

Rinku Singh starred in an otherwise disappointing campaign for the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). He hit 474 runs including four half-centuries and also pulled off that heist against GT earlier on in the season. Rinku showed great composure, match awareness and striking ability to really emerge as a clutch middle-order player this year.

6. Heinrich Klaasen (wk) (OS)

Heinrich Klaasen, the shining light in a horror SRH season, hit 448 runs in 12 matches at a strike rate of 177.07. This included a superb ton against RCB as well.

Incredibly, Klaasen struck 264 runs against spin in IPL 2023 at an average of 132 and strike rate of 191.3.

7. Ravindra Jadeja

Rockstar Jadeja. The CSK and India all-rounder hit a six and four off the final two balls to seal a record-equalling fifth IPL title for Chennai. In the same game, he took the all-important wicket of the firing Shubman Gill.

Throughout the season, Jadeja was regularly in the wickets. He finished wicketless just three times, and took all of his 20 wickets in the important middle overs. While he didn’t always get going with the bat, he delivered when it mattered most.

8. Rashid Khan (OS)

IPL 2023 was Rashid Khan’s most prolific IPL season, with his 27 wickets smashing his previous best of 21 back in 2018. While his economy (8.23) was higher than usual, Rashid was able to deliver wickets at different stages of the innings to ensure GT were in strong positions in most of the matches.

17 of his scalps came between overs 7-16. Eight came in the death overs, and two in the powerplay. The mantra is if you take Rashid Khan on, be prepared to risk your wicket.

9. Piyush Chawla

Piyush Chawla has had incredible impact on the Mumbai Indians (MI) bowling unit this year. With doubts over the depth of the attack, Chawla used all his guile and experience to finish with 22 wickets at an average of 22.50 and economy of 8.11.

He, Rashid Khan and Ravindra Jadeja is a lethal trio in the middle overs in this team.

10. Mohammed Shami

The GT speedster finished with the Purple Cap with 28 wickets at a strike rate of 13.92. Shami was sensational both up front as well as in the backend of the innings, and time and again continued to display his utility even in the shortest format of the game.

11. Mohammed Siraj

Mohammed Siraj alone assumed the bowling responsibilities for RCB, scalping 19 dismissals in 14 games at an economy of 7.52. He was extremely efficient in the powerplay overs, with ten coming in the powerplay. He will be a force to reckon with along with Shami at every stage of the bowling innings.

Impact Player

Matheesha Pathirana

Bowling at the death is a tough ask. Bowling at the death in the IPL is a tougher ask. But, Matheesha Pathirana was a key reason for CSK’s success this season, with “Baby Malinga” holding his nerve magnificently throughout the season.

Pathirana took 18 wickets between overs 16 and 20 in this IPL. However, the economy rate of 8.05 is elite, which wins him a place as the Impact Player in the IPL 2023 team of the tournament.

3 reasons why CSK won the IPL 2023 Final

Tarkesh Jha
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3 reasons why CSK won the IPL 2023 Final

Cricket News: 3 reasons why CSK won the IPL 2023 Final | Key reasons why CSK won the IPL for a fifth time

The Chennai Super Kings (CSK) emerged triumphant in the final of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023 as star all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja struck 10 runs off the last two deliveries to steer CSK to their fifth IPL title.

With 13 needed off the last over, the Gujarat Titans (GT) pacer had bowled an exceptional first four deliveries to concede only three runs. However, Jadeja held his nerve and rose to the occasion to round off an incredible chase that culminated with CSK skipper MS Dhoni lifting him in his arms in a rare display of emotions after the game.

A look at 3 reasons why CSK won a thrilling IPL 2023 final

Here are the three reasons why CricBlog believes CSK won this match.

1. Taking down Rashid Khan

With 171 needed off 15 overs, CSK could not afford to be cautious against GT vice-captain Rashid Khan. He came in to bowl the fourth over, i.e. the final one of the powerplay and Ruturaj Gaikwad slammed boundaries of the last two balls of that over to welcome Rashid into the attack in style.

The legspinner bowled his last in the 12th over with the game heavily in Titans’ favour. CSK needed 50 off 20 deliveries at that time but Shivam Dube unleashed two big hits to ensure Rashid completed his spell with 44 runs and no wickets to his name.

Chennai’s proactive strategy against Rashid certainly worked wonders, especially at a time when his Afghan counterpart Noor Ahmad troubled them.

ALSO READ: Was 2023 the best ever edition of the IPL? Here is what fans think

2. Impactful cameos from every batsman

Every CSK batsman barring MS Dhoni chipped in with impactful cameos that propelled them to their fifth IPL trophy win. CSK players have collectively hailed the clarity they have received in this setup, with every player knowing exactly what is demanded of them.

That reflected very well in the summit clash when batsmen got going right from the offset without wasting any time.

Ajinkya Rahane was quick to secure sixes off Joshua Little and Ambati Rayudu didn’t spare much time before bringing out his big shots against Mohit in the 13th over. Even Dhoni was dismissed whilst attempting to up the ante of scoring. In fact, CSK didn’t use Moeen Ali at all in the finale and that showed the wonders that a long batting line-up can play in closing out the most challenging of chases at the toughest of times.

3. Ravindra Jadeja’s nerves of steel

Commeth the hour, commeth the man! Ravindra Jadeja has been disturbed lately with the spectators chanting MS Dhoni’s name whenever he comes out to bat. However, he demonstrated nerves of steel to seal this victory even when the odds were heavily stacked against him in the dying embers of the game.

Jadeja mentioned that he was looking to swing his bat as hard as possible and possibly hit down the ground to capitalise on any slower delivery that Mohit bowled. He was able to pounce upon the penultimate ball and dispatch it over long on for a maximum before guiding the final ball accurately down the leg side for another boundary.

Earlier, Jadeja picked the crucial wicket of Shubman Gill with the help of MS Dhoni’s incredibly fast hands. One wonders if he was able to successfully demonstrate that he actually is the Most Valuable Player (MVP) in the CSK camp even today.

Was IPL 2023 the best IPL ever? Here’s what fans think
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