(Image Source: ECB)
[Saba Sports News] We are a mere seven days away from the commencement of the 2023 World Cup, and the ten participating teams have elevated their preparations to a higher level.
World Cup Power Rankings, how these teams are performing just nine days before the tournament opener between England and New Zealand in Ahmedabad. The previous Power Rankings for each team are indicated in parentheses.
India (1) India, winners by an unprecedented margin in the Asia Cup final and victors in two routine encounters against Australia, have reaffirmed their status as the leading contenders for the tournament. They face the pleasant predicament of deciding how to integrate Shreyas Iyer, who boasts an impressive ODI average of just under 50, into the team. Additionally, there’s the question of whether Ravichandran Ashwin, Axar Patel, or Washington Sundar will fill the role of the squad’s third specialist spinner.
England (4) The defending champions, England, seem to be hitting their stride at the perfect moment, having secured victories in their last three home ODIs against New Zealand. While concerns linger about Joe Root’s form and the match fitness of Adil Rashid and Mark Wood, England appears to be regaining their best form after a somewhat shaky 18 months in ODI cricket. Ben Stokes’ record-breaking 182 at No. 4 in the Oval serves as a daunting warning to their competitors.
New Zealand (3) The New Zealand team, known as the Black Caps, may not have been at their peak during the latter stages of the England series. However, they faced challenges, especially in their bowling department, and are still awaiting the full recovery of their influential captain, Kane Williamson. Despite these hurdles, they have adapted well to the conditions in Asia, securing consecutive wins away against Bangladesh. Their squad’s flexibility should allow them to adapt to the diverse conditions expected in India.
Australia (2) Australia has been dealt a significant blow with the absence of Travis Head, at least for the first part of the tournament. This necessitates a last-minute reshuffling of their top-order batting. Replacing Head’s aggressive style at the top and his off-spin abilities on spin-friendly Indian pitches won’t be easy. While their first-choice XI remains formidable, key players like Mitchell Starc, Glenn Maxwell, and Pat Cummins – the inexperienced white-ball captain – have limited recent match practice.
South Africa (6) South Africa showcased remarkable resilience by overturning a 2-0 deficit to defeat Australia 3-2 in their final series before the World Cup. They possess a strong top six, and the form of Marco Jansen and Aiden Markram, likely all-rounders in their lineup, is encouraging. However, they should expect markedly different conditions in India compared to their home ground on the Highveld. The absence of Anrich Nortje is a significant setback.
Pakistan (5) Pakistan’s journey into the tournament has been marred by chaos, including injuries, rumors of late squad changes, dressing room conflicts, and logistical hurdles in reaching India. The loss of Naseem Shah is a major setback, as Pakistan’s three-pronged pace attack was a key strength. Without Naseem, their bowling attack may be less potent. The absence of the young Pakistan speedster will be felt, as he brought excitement with his speed and skill.
Sri Lanka (7) Sri Lanka has had to cope with the loss of Wanindu Hasaranga for at least the first half of the tournament. Nevertheless, they have reasonable options to cover his absence. Hasaranga’s impact against top-tier teams in ODIs is not as significant as in T20s, and they have Dunith Wellalage as a ready-made replacement, offering an all-round skill set. Sri Lanka managed to qualify for the Asia Cup final without Hasaranga, although their performance in that final was subpar.
Bangladesh (8) Bangladesh has faced a less-than-ideal week, suffering consecutive home defeats to New Zealand and losing Tamim Iqbal to injury. Their opening match against Afghanistan carries significant importance, as a loss to a team that failed to win a single match in 2019 could seriously dent their chances of reaching the semi-finals.
Afghanistan (9) Afghanistan has had a relatively quiet week, focusing their attention on their first clash with Bangladesh. While aiming for semi-final qualification might be ambitious this time, with a squad featuring only four players aged 25 or older, this tournament could serve as a stepping stone for future success.
Netherlands (10) The Netherlands endured a catastrophic defeat against the Indian state side Karnataka, with an 89-run partnership for the last wicket sparing them from complete embarrassment after collapsing to 36-9. They received a boost with the arrival of their contingent of county cricketers, which, at least on paper, strengthens their first-choice XI and makes them a more formidable team, capable of causing upsets in the tournament.