The cricketing universe is buzzing with anticipation as the ICC Men’s ODI World Cup 2023 approaches. This tournament promises to be a riveting showcase of skill, strategy, and fierce competition. To kick off the proceedings in grand fashion, ten warm-up matches are set to take place across three prestigious venues in India from September 29 to October 3. These matches will serve as the ultimate preparation for the teams before they dive headfirst into World Cup action.
Venues
The warm-up matches will be spread across three iconic cricket stadiums in India:
Barsapara Cricket Stadium, Guwahati: Located in the heart of Assam, this stadium will witness some thrilling clashes during the warm-up phase.
Greenfield International Stadium, Thiruvananthapuram: Known for its lush green outfield and passionate cricket fans, this stadium in Kerala is ready to host several warm-up encounters.
Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Hyderabad: This modern stadium in Hyderabad will witness the world’s best teams in action before the main event kicks off.
Schedule
Schedule of these warm-up matches:
September 29, 2023 – Friday
- Bangladesh vs. Sri Lanka at Barsapara Cricket Stadium, Guwahati.
- South Africa vs. Afghanistan at Greenfield International Stadium, Thiruvananthapuram.
- New Zealand vs. Pakistan at Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Hyderabad.
The opening day promises captivating contests featuring teams from Asia and Africa as they prepare for the World Cup.
September 30, 2023 – Saturday
- India vs. England at Barsapara Cricket Stadium, Guwahati.
- Australia vs. Netherlands at Greenfield International Stadium, Thiruvananthapuram.
As cricketing giants India and England clash in Guwahati, the rivalry between Australia and the Netherlands will also unfold in Thiruvananthapuram.
October 2, 2023 – Monday
- England vs. Bangladesh at Barsapara Cricket Stadium, Guwahati.
- New Zealand vs. South Africa at Greenfield International Stadium, Thiruvananthapuram.
As the warm-up phase reaches its midpoint, teams will fine-tune their strategies and combinations.
October 3, 2023 – Tuesday
- Afghanistan vs. Sri Lanka at Barsapara Cricket Stadium, Guwahati.
- India vs. Netherlands at Greenfield International Stadium, Thiruvananthapuram.
- Pakistan vs. Australia at Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Hyderabad.
The final day of warm-up matches promises a thrilling spectacle as teams make their last adjustments before the World Cup extravaganza begins.
The Main Event
Following these warm-up matches, all eyes will be on the main event, which commences on October 5, 2023, with defending champions England facing New Zealand in the tournament opener at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.
The grand finale of this 48-match extravaganza will also be held at the same venue on November 19, providing a fitting conclusion to what is poised to be an unforgettable tournament.
As cricket enthusiasts across the globe eagerly await the ICC Men’s ODI World Cup 2023, the warm-up matches offer an enticing glimpse of the excitement, skill, and drama that await in this cricketing spectacle. Mark your calendars and prepare to witness the world’s finest teams battling for cricketing glory in India!