Opener Quinton de Kock smashed his fourth century of the World Cup despite feeling scratchy at the start of his innings, powering South Africa to a big total against New Zealand at Pune's MCA Stadium on Wednesday. The Protean batter broke quite a few records en-route to his record-equalling fourth century as he became only the third player after Kumar Sangakkara and Indian skipper Rohit Sharma to register four centuries in a single edition of the tournament. Read more on TOI
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nostalgic as I watched the Cricket World Cup 2023. It was a tournament filled with excitement, surprises, and incredible performances. As a cricket enthusiast, I couldn't help but reminisce about the past World Cups and how the game has evolved over the years. One of the most noticeable changes in the 2023 World Cup was the increased emphasis on technology. The introduction of the Decision Review System (DRS) in previous tournaments had already made a significant impact on the game, but this time it was taken to a whole new level. The use of ball-tracking technology, snickometer, and ultra-motion cameras made the game more accurate and fair. It was fascinating to see how these technological advancements affected the outcome of crucial matches. Another aspect that caught my attention was the rise of new cricketing nations. In previous World Cups, the dominant teams were usually India, Australia, England, and South Africa. However, in 2023, we witnessed the emergence of teams like Afghanistan, Ireland, and Nepal. These underdogs proved that cricket is no longer limited to a few powerhouse nations, but a global sport with immense potential. The 2023 World Cup also saw some remarkable individual performances. From the explosive batting of Virat Kohli and Babar Azam to the mesmerizing spin bowling of Rashid Khan and Mujeeb Ur Rahman, there were moments that left the audience in awe. It was heartening to see young talents stepping up and making a mark on the biggest stage of cricket. One of the most memorable matches of the tournament was the final between India and Australia. The two cricketing giants battled it out in a nail-biting encounter that went down to the last ball. The tension in the stadium was palpable, and every run, every wicket was cheered or jeered with equal enthusiasm. In the end, it was India who emerged victorious, lifting the coveted trophy for the third time. As I watched the celebrations unfold, I couldn't help but feel a sense of pride for the sport I love. Cricket has come a long way since its inception, and the 2023 World Cup was a testament to its ever-growing popularity. The passion, the camaraderie, and the sheer joy of the game were evident in every match. Cricket has always been more than just a game. It is a unifying force that brings people from different backgrounds and cultures together. The 2023 World Cup showcased this beautifully, with fans from all over the world coming together to celebrate the sport they hold dear. As the tournament came to an end, I couldn't help but wonder what the future holds for cricket. Will we see more technological advancements? Will new cricketing nations continue to rise? Only time will tell. But one thing is for sure, cricket will continue to captivate hearts and minds, and the 2023 World Cup will forever be etched in our memories as a milestone in the history of the game.