From IND vs PAK To ENG vs NZ, Top 5 Thrilling Matches In ICC ODI World Cup 2023 - In Pics

The clash between India and Pakistan in a World Cup is always highly anticipated, and this time it will take place in Ahmedabad on October 15. India has been dominant in this rivalry, winning all seven encounters between the two teams in 50-over World Cups. In the previous edition of the World Cup, Rohit Sharma played a crucial role, scoring a brilliant 140 as the captain of the Indian team. His outstanding innings led India to a comprehensive 89-run victory (by DLS method) over Pakistan in Manchester.

Rohit will be aiming to replicate his performance in Ahmedabad, but Pakistan's captain and the world's number one ODI batsman, Babar Azam, will be equally determined to give Pakistan the upper hand. Fans of the Indian team will also hope for a repeat of Virat Kohli's heroics from the previous year's T20 World Cup in Melbourne, where he led India to a thrilling victory over Pakistan in a dramatic run chase in front of a massive crowd at the MCG.

The unforgettable final of the recent World Cup is still fresh in our memories. England and New Zealand, the two teams that were part of that thrilling match, will renew their rivalry in the tournament opener later this year. Both teams are expected to be strong contenders, so a win in the opening match will be crucial for gaining early momentum.

The fitness of inspirational captain Kane Williamson remains uncertain, and New Zealand will be hoping he has recovered from his knee injury in time to seek revenge for their narrow defeat to England four years ago. England has been a formidable force in white-ball cricket in recent times and will be confident about their chances of adding this World Cup trophy to their collection, which already includes the 2019 World Cup title and the 2022 T20 World Cup crown won in Australia.

The match between India and Australia in Chennai is significant for several reasons, as these two teams, regarded as the best in 50-over cricket, face each other in a bid to start the tournament on a high note. All eyes will be on Chennai on October 8, as India plays their first match of the World Cup. Rohit Sharma's team will face a tough challenge against the five-time champions, Australia. With both teams familiar with each other's strengths and weaknesses, there are unlikely to be many surprises in this clash. However, given the batting prowess of both teams, it won't be surprising to see a high-scoring encounter.

A victory in this match would provide the perfect start to the tournament for the host nation, but Australia will be determined to prove their worth and show that they are capable of winning their second World Cup title on Indian soil, replicating their triumph in 1987. India may also have added motivation after losing to Australia in the ICC World Test Championship Final at The Oval in London.

South Africa had a modest performance in the 2019 World Cup, winning only three matches. However, it's worth noting that one of those victories came against Australia in the final group match, thanks to a superb century from Faf du Plessis.

It's unclear whether Faf du Plessis will be part of the South African team in India, but his impactful performances in this year's Indian Premier League showcased his ability in white-ball cricket. If South Africa can defeat Sri Lanka in their tournament opener in Delhi, their match against Australia in Lucknow will become even more crucial as they aim to reach the knockout stages, something they haven't achieved since 2015. Australia, in their first appearance at the event, will face the challenge of playing against the host nation, India. The match against South Africa adds to their tough schedule, as the Proteas possess a formidable fast-bowling lineup that may include Kagiso Rabada, Anrich Nortje, and Lungi Ngidi.

Bangladesh proved to be a surprise package during the qualifying process for this World Cup. The Asian side finished above many higher-ranked teams, securing a commendable third place in the ICC Cricket World Cup Super League. To maintain their momentum from that event, it will be crucial for Bangladesh to assert their strength and secure a victory in their first appearance at the 50-over showcase against a capable Afghanistan team.

Afghanistan's bowlers, led by star spinner Rashid Khan and fellow tweaker Mujeeb Ur Rahman, supported by the pace attack featuring in-form seamer Fazalhaq Farooqi, will be their key strength. Bangladesh, with more experience in big tournaments, will rely on the likes of top-order batsman Litton Das and all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan to lead the team effectively.