India is set to host the World Cup starting on October 5. The defending champs England will take on the finalists of the last year’s event New Zealand. The likes of South Africa, Australia, Netherlands and Afghanistan have already landed in India to take part in the mega event. On the other hand, the much-awaited Pakistani side will be entering India on September 27 (Wednesday). To note, all teams will be playing warm-up games before the main event. As a result, all other camps will also be reaching the host nation before September 27 with the Warm-up matches starting from September 29 onwards. Let us take a look at their schedule.
New Zealand: Thursday, Sep 28
The Blackcaps are currently engaged in an ODI series against Bangladesh which will end on Wednesday. New Zealand led-by Kane Williamson are expected to depart for India right after the series. The Kiwis will face the defending champions England in the opening encounter of the tournament. Before that, NZ will face Pakistan in their warm-up match on September 29.
Bangladesh: Wednesday, Sep 27
As mentioned above, Bangladesh is facing New Zealand in the final ODI on Tuesday. The Bangla Tigers under the leadership of veteran Shakib al Hasan are expected to reach India alongside the Kiwis. BAN will face Sri Lanka in their warm-up match on Sep 29 (Friday) in Guwahati.
England: Thursday, Sep 28
The defending champions England are also engaged in ODI cricket at the moment as they are facing Ireland. The Three Lions are facing the Irish side in the final ODI on Tuesday. They are expected to leave for India soon after where they are slated to face the home side in their warm-up match on September 30.
Afghanistan (Arrived)
Afghanistan on Tuesday reached India to participated in the upcoming World Cup. The Afghani side earned a direct entry in mega event as they have displayed some quality cricket in the past year. However, their ODI WC record is very poor and they will want to improve on that. Afghanistan face Sri Lanka in warm-up match on October 3.
Australia (Arrived)
As mentioned earlier, the mighty Aussies are taking on India and the final ODI of the series will be played on Sep 27 (Wednesday) in Rajkot. After that, Pat Cummins and Co. will travel to Thiruvananthapuram to face the Netherlands on Saturday (Sep 30).
Netherlands (Arrived)
The Netherlands were the first team to arrive in India for the upcoming World Cup. The Dutch side reached the host nation on September 19 as they set up their camp in Alur to prepare for the upcoming WC. As stated above, Scott Edwards and Co. will face Australia in the warm-up match on Saturday.
South Africa (Arrived)
Skipper Temba Bavuma alongside other South African team members reached India on September 25. The Proteas would be coming into the tournament as they would look to break the World Cup curse and clinch their first ever title. However, only time will tell how the side prepares itself for Indian conditions and if they are able to shock the world and win the coveted title.
Pakistan: (Arrived)
Pakistan Men’s Cricket team was issued Indian visas on September 25 (Monday). Notably, the visa clearance came less than 48 hours before Pakistan’s scheduled travel to India in the wee hours of 27 September (Wednesday). The Men in Green are slated to face Australia in their warm-up match on October 3 in Hyderabad.
Sri Lanka (Yet to Arrive)
Sri Lanka cricket on Tuesday announced their World Cup. The Islanders will be missing the services of Wanindu Hasaranga and express pacer Dushmantha Chameera for the competition. Dasun Shanaka and Co. will play their warm-up match on September 29 and are slated to land in India on Tuesday.
Editors pick
