ICC Score and Highlights of the 2023 Cricket World Cup

Sky Sports experts Michael Atherton and Eoin Morgan, along with former England captain Nasser Hussain, recently reflected on the 2023 Cricket World Cup, discussing its successes and failures, the significance of the 50-over format, the rise of Afghanistan, the exceptional performance of Player of the Tournament Virat Kohli, and England’s disappointing title defense.

The Cricket World Cup commenced with a rocky start, notably marked by a low turnout for the opening match between England and New Zealand, where cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar walked out to a sparse audience at Narendra Modi Stadium. Atherton highlighted the importance of starting with the home team and noted logistical difficulties faced by England supporters in obtaining tickets and accessing the venue. Despite these initial challenges, improvements were made as the tournament progressed, culminating in India successfully hosting the event.

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Atherton emphasized his enjoyment of the tournament and defended the 50-over format against prevalent criticism, stating that it allows players to showcase their full range of skills. He cited examples such as Glenn Maxwell’s extraordinary innings against Afghanistan, showcasing the format’s capacity for remarkable performances. Atherton praised Australia’s victory, commending their resilience in overcoming early setbacks and prevailing in a challenging final against India on a difficult pitch.

Morgan turned attention to Afghanistan’s commendable performance, winning four out of nine matches in the group stage. He praised the team’s improved batting performance and credited coach Jonathan Trott for instilling direction and composure, which proved beneficial in pressure situations. Morgan highlighted the significance of Afghanistan’s growth in cricket and their potential to cause upsets against more established teams. He emphasized the importance of larger tournaments in providing opportunities for emerging cricketing nations to showcase their talent and elevate the sport’s profile in their respective countries.

The discussion then shifted to Virat Kohli, who was hailed as an exceptional player by Atherton. Drawing a parallel with golf icon Tiger Woods, Atherton praised Kohli’s unparalleled intensity, focus, and determination on the field. He regarded Kohli as one of the most charismatic cricketers in history and hailed him as one of the greatest ODI players of all time.

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In summary, despite initial challenges, the 2023 Cricket World Cup was deemed a success, with Australia emerging as deserving champions. The tournament showcased the enduring appeal of the 50-over format and highlighted the rise of Afghanistan as a competitive cricketing nation. Virat Kohli’s exceptional performance further enriched the tournament, earning him accolades as the Player of the Tournament. Looking ahead to the expanded 2027 edition, pundits anticipate greater opportunities for emerging cricketing nations to make their mark on the global stage, further enhancing the diversity and competitiveness of the sport.

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