Alisha, a 15-year-old fan of Babar Azam, carries a photo of the Pakistan skipper in the back cover of her phone. The schoolgirl from Bhopal was among the scattered group of Pakistan supporters at the Rajiv Gandhi Stadium as Babar and Co took the field for their World Cup opener against Netherlands. Read more on TOI
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The cricketing world is eagerly awaiting the 2023 ICC ODI World Cup, which is set to take place in India. With just a few years left for the tournament, teams are already preparing and strategizing to claim the ultimate prize in the limited-overs format. India, being the host nation, will have the advantage of playing in familiar conditions. The Indian team, under the leadership of Virat Kohli, has been performing exceptionally well in recent years and will be a strong contender for the title. With a strong batting lineup consisting of players like Rohit Sharma, Shikhar Dhawan, and KL Rahul, India will be a force to reckon with. However, they will face stiff competition from other cricketing powerhouses like Australia and England. Australia, the defending champions, have always been a dominant force in ODI cricket. Led by the likes of Aaron Finch and Steve Smith, the Australian team will be determined to retain their title and make it a hat-trick of World Cup wins. England, the 2019 World Cup winners, will also be one of the favorites. With a talented squad that includes the likes of Eoin Morgan, Jos Buttler, and Ben Stokes, England has the firepower to challenge any team. Their aggressive brand of cricket and fearless approach make them a dangerous opponent. Apart from these three teams, there are several others who cannot be underestimated. New Zealand, runners-up in the last edition, will be eager to go one step further and lift the trophy. The Kiwis have a well-balanced team with players like Kane Williamson and Trent Boult leading the charge. Pakistan, known for their unpredictability, can also spring a surprise. With a talented pool of young cricketers, Pakistan has the potential to upset any team on their day. The likes of Babar Azam and Shaheen Afridi will be key players for them. South Africa, West Indies, and Sri Lanka are also teams to watch out for. While South Africa has always been a strong side, the West Indies have the ability to turn the game on its head with their explosive batting. Sri Lanka, although going through a transition phase, can never be underestimated in big tournaments. The 2023 World Cup promises to be an exciting tournament, with high-octane clashes and nail-biting finishes. The cricketing world will witness some breathtaking performances, individual brilliance, and team efforts. It will be a true test of skill, temperament, and adaptability. As fans, we can expect packed stadiums, passionate supporters, and a festive atmosphere throughout the tournament. The World Cup is not just a cricketing event; it is a celebration of the sport and a platform for players to showcase their talent on the biggest stage. So mark your calendars for 2023 and get ready for a rollercoaster ride of emotions, as the world's best cricketers battle it out for cricket's most coveted trophy. The countdown has begun, and the cricketing world is eagerly waiting for the 2023 ICC ODI World Cup. Let the games begin!