As the highly anticipated quadrennial International Cricket Council (ICC) 50-over World Cup approaches, the cricketing world is abuzz with excitement. All ten participating nations have finalized their squads, gearing up for the pinnacle event. While last-minute changes due to injuries might occur, all teams are well-prepared for the big occasion. In this article, we explore the probable first playing XIs for each participating nation.
Afghanistan: Led by Hashmatullah Shahidi, Afghanistan has made significant strides in recent years. Unlike Sri Lanka and the Netherlands, who had to navigate qualifiers earlier in the year in Zimbabwe, Afghanistan secured direct qualification for the 10-team event. They possess a strong opening pair in Ibrahim Zadran and Rahmanullah Gurbaz, with the experienced Mohammad Nabi anchoring the middle order. Their spin department is top-notch with Rashid Khan, Mujeeb, and Noor Ahmed. The probable first XI could be:
- R Gurbaz
- I Zadran
- R Shah
- H Shahidi
- Najibullah
- M Nabi
- A Omarzai
- Rashid Khan
- Mujeeb
- Farooqi
- Naveen ul Haq
Australia: The five-time World Champions ended their five-match losing streak in a remarkable fashion against India in Rajkot. However, Australia remains a formidable force in world cricket, especially in major tournaments. While they have some injury concerns, including Travis Head and Ashton Agar, the inclusion of Marnus Labuschagne has added depth to their squad. Australia will kickstart their campaign against India in Chennai on 8th October, and their probable first XI could be:
- Warner
- Marsh
- Smith
- Labuschagne
- Maxwell
- Stoinis/Green
- Carey (wk)
- Cummins (c)
- Starc
- Hazlewood
- Zampa
Bangladesh: Building on their stellar performance in the previous World Cup and bolstered by a remarkable track record in home ODIs, Bangladesh emerges as a formidable contender. Despite off-field controversies surrounding squad selection, Bangladesh stands strong and resilient. Their anticipated starting lineup might consist of:
- Najmul Hossain Shanto
- Litton Das
- Shakib
- Hridoy
- M Rahim
- Mahmudullah
- Mehidy Hasan Miraz
- Mahedi Hasan
- Taskin Ahmed
- Shoriful Islam/Hasan Mahmud
- Mustafizur
England: The 2019 World Cup champions revolutionized ODI cricket with their fearless approach. England’s batting lineup can take on any challenge from the outset, and their deep batting order allows them to post formidable totals consistently. They are considered one of the favorites to win the title once again. The probable first XI could be:
- Bairstow
- Malan
- Root
- Stokes
- Buttler
- Livingstone
- Moeen
- Woakes
- Curran/Willey/Topley
- Rashid
- Wood
Netherlands: Netherlands secured qualification for the World Cup ahead of the West Indies and Zimbabwe. The return of key players like Van Meekeren, Ackermann, Van der Merwe, and Ryan Klein has bolstered their squad. Bas de Leede, a standout performer in the qualifiers, adds depth to their batting. Their probable first XI could be:
- Vikramjit
- M O’Dowd
- W Barresi
- C Ackermann
- B de Leede
- T Nidamanuru
- S Edwards
- L van Beek
- R van der Merwe
- Paul Van Meekeren
- R Klein/ Shariz Ahmad
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New Zealand: The Black Caps have a history of performing well in World Cups and boast players with extensive experience in Indian conditions. Led by Kane Williamson, New Zealand aims to clinch its first World Cup title. The probable first XI could be:
- Conway
- Young
- Williamson**/Mark Chapman
- Mitchell
- Latham
- Phillips
- Neesham/Ravindra
- Santner
- Henry/Sodhi
- Ferguson
- Boult (Depending on fitness)
Pakistan: Pakistan faces challenges with injuries and form issues among players. However, Pakistan’s unpredictable nature in World Cups makes them a formidable opponent. Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan will be key to their batting, while Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf will shoulder the pace-bowling responsibilities. Their probable first XI could be:
- Imam
- Fakhar
- Babar
- Rizwan
- Agha Salman
- Iftikhar
- Shadab
- Md Nawaz/Usama Mir
- Shaheen
- Haris
- Hasan Ali/ Md.Wasim
South Africa: South Africa, known for its potential in World Cups, recently staged a remarkable comeback against Australia. Many of their players have IPL experience, adding to their depth. The probable first XI could be:
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- Bavuma
- De Kock
- van der Dussen
- A Markram
- Klaasen
- D Miller
- M Jansen
- K Maharaj
- Rabada
- Lungi Ngidi/Phehlukwayo
- Shamsi
Sri Lanka: Sri Lanka faces challenges with key players’ unavailability due to injury. The absence of Hasaranga and Chameera is a significant blow. However, the return of Angelo Matthews adds experience to their middle order. Their probable first XI could be:
- Nissanka
- K Perera/D Karunaratne
- K Mendis
- Angelo Matthews/Samarawickrama
- Asalanka
- D de Silva
- Shanaka
- Wellalage
- Theekshana
- Pathirana
- Madushanka/Rajitha/Kumara
India: As the host nation, India aims to end its ICC silverware drought. Recent victories in the Asia Cup and against Australia have boosted their confidence. Flexibility in selecting the playing XI based on conditions will be crucial. The probable first XI could be:
- Rohit
- Gill
- Virat
- Shreyas
- K L Rahul
- Hardik
- Jadeja
- Shardul/Axar/Ashwin
- Kuldeep
- Bumrah
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