The 2023 Cricket World Cup will see the best ODI countries jostle for position – and fight for a berth in the final. Whether a team can unseat England or the reigning champions can successfully defend their title remains in the balance. Let’s take a look at what each of the top seven countries need to get right in order to win the next World Cup.
New Zealand
The Black Caps are the reigning World Test Championship title holders and will need to take this five-day form into the limited-overs arena. They lost the 2019 Cricket World Cup final by the narrowest of margins. They might want to practise their approach to super overs, in particular.
Australia
Australia have won the Cricket World Cup the most times and take this status into the next event. They will need to be especially mindful of the conditions the tournament will be played in. The pitches that will be encountered on the sub-continent are bound to be slower and lower than the hard and fast decks experienced down under.
India
India are among the favourites to win the 2023 Cricket World Cup. They are a solid ODI unit, who have won several bilateral series in the years and months leading up to this showpiece. They will have homeground advantage and have a line of stars game-ready after plenty of time in the Indian Premier League. Bet365 cricket betting has one of the best selection of markets in India, and they have priced them at 3.4 to win the title. Others such as England and Australia, are offered at 3.0 and 4.0, respectively in the same market with the same firm.
England
Eoin Morgan and company have transformed from the whipping boys of ODI cricket to world champions over a few years. They have really solid batsmen, especially in the middle order, and fast bowlers who are the envy of many other international cricket teams. What they need, though, is a world-class spinner. Adil Rashid might be that, but they could also do with an off-spinner alongside a leg-spinner. “You have ups and downs in cricket. I’m always trying to improve, trying to get better. Sometimes that happens and sometimes it not in terms of outcome. Hopefully now I can try my best to carry on my form to next year,” said Rashid.
South Africa
The biggest challenge the Proteas will face going into the World Cup will be their bid to dodge their so-called ‘chokers’ tag. They are infamous for reaching the playoffs of major International Cricket Council tournaments, but then losing when winning matters most. Fans and critics have seen this happen many times in the last 20 years. Mental strength will be key to South Africa’s approach, as their string of fresh faces look to move on without AB de Villiers, Faf du Plessis and other heroes of yesteryear.
Pakistan
Pakistan won the Champions Trophy in 2017. They know how to win significant ICC events. The team blows hot and cold and is the subject of constant criticism off the field. Regardless, they are a force to be reckoned with and need to defy circumstances and scenarios in order to lift the World Cup again. They last did so in 1992.
Bangladesh
Bangladesh should look to stay ahead of the West Indies and Sri Lanka in the ICC rankings for ODI teams. This will help them gain self-belief and internal confidence going into the World Cup. All-rounder Shakib Al Hasan could play a big role with bat and ball, but the team can’t rely on him too much. They need more batsmen weighing in and spinners and seamers that can play a greater support role, collectively, to Al Hasan.
