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In the run-up to the much-anticipated ODI World Cup 2023, the International Cricket Council (ICC) has revealed the official warm-up fixture list, generating a wave of excitement among cricket enthusiasts worldwide. The ICC’s announcement, made on Wednesday, August 23, has set the stage for a series of captivating clashes as the teams gear up for the pinnacle event in the cricketing calendar.
The warm-up matches are scheduled to take place from September 29 to October 3, with each of the 10 participating teams engaging in two preparatory encounters. These matches will offer a vital opportunity for teams to fine-tune their strategies and assess their strengths ahead of the main tournament, which is set to commence on October 5.
An intriguing opening fixture will witness Bangladesh locking horns with Sri Lanka at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati on September 29. Simultaneously, South Africa will take on Afghanistan at the Greenfield International Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram, while New Zealand faces Pakistan at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad.
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Hosts India to kick-off their warm-up campaign against England
One of the most anticipated warm-up matches will be held on September 30, featuring host nation India squaring off against reigning champions England at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati. In another clash that day, Australia will meet the Netherlands at the Greenfield International Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram.
The action-packed schedule continues on October 2, as England and Bangladesh cross paths again at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati. Meanwhile, New Zealand and South Africa will vie for victory at the Greenfield International Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram.
The warm-up fixtures will conclude on October 3 with three more encounters. Afghanistan will challenge Sri Lanka at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati, India will take on the Netherlands at the Greenfield International Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram, and Pakistan will clash with Australia at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad.
A noteworthy feature of the warm-up matches is that teams will be allowed to field their entire squads of 15 players, adding an extra layer of intrigue and experimentation to these practice games. With less than two weeks remaining until the cricketing spectacle begins, all eyes are on the participating teams as they make their final preparations, hoping to shine on the grand stage of the ODI World Cup.
Full schedule of ODI World Cup warm-up matches:
September 29
- Bangladesh v Sri Lanka, Barsapara Cricket Stadium, Guwahati
- South Africa v Afghanistan, Greenfield International Stadium, Thiruvananthapuram
- New Zealand v Pakistan, Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Hyderabad
September 30
- India v England, Barsapara Cricket Stadium, Guwahati
- Australia v Netherlands, Greenfield International Stadium, Thiruvananthapuram
October 2
- England v Bangladesh, Barsapara Cricket Stadium, Guwahati
- New Zealand v South Africa, Greenfield International Stadium, Thiruvananthapuram
October 3
- Afghanistan v Sri Lanka, Barsapara Cricket Stadium, Guwahati
- India v Netherlands, Greenfield International Stadium, Thiruvananthapuram
- Pakistan v Australia, Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Hyderabad
