Here are some player battles to watch for in the upcoming Cricket World Cup 2023:
Virat Kohli vs Pat Cummins
Two of the best players in the world, Kohli and Cummins will be key to their respective teams' chances of success. Kohli is a master batsman, while Cummins is one of the most fearsome fast bowlers in the game. Their head-to-head record is evenly balanced, with Kohli having the edge in ODIs and Cummins having the edge in Tests. It will be interesting to see who comes out on top in the World Cup.
Babar Azam vs Mitchell Starc
Another battle between two of the best in the world, Azam and Starc are two of the most destructive batsmen and bowlers in ODI cricket. Azam has been in excellent form in recent years, averaging over 50 in ODIs. Starc is Australia's leading wicket-taker in ODIs, and he is known for his ability to take wickets in key moments. This is a battle that could decide the outcome of many matches in the World Cup.
Joe Root vs Trent Boult
Root and Boult are two of the most experienced players in the World Cup, and they have a long history of success against each other. Root has scored centuries against Boult in both Tests and ODIs, while Boult has dismissed Root on a number of occasions. This is a battle that is likely to be closely contested, and it could have a big impact on the outcome of the match.
Ben Stokes vs Shaheen Afridi
Stokes and Afridi are two of the most exciting and unpredictable players in the World Cup. Stokes is a brilliant all-rounder, while Afridi is a fast bowler with a lot of pace and bounce. Their head-to-head record is evenly balanced, with Stokes having the edge in Tests and Afridi having the edge in ODIs. This is a battle that is sure to produce fireworks, and it could be one of the most entertaining matches of the tournament.
Other notable player battles to watch for:
- Rohit Sharma vs Kagiso Rabada
- Kane Williamson vs Jasprit Bumrah
- David Warner vs Shaheen Afridi
- Quinton de Kock vs Tabraiz Shamsi
- Glenn Maxwell vs Rashid Khan
These are just a few of the many player battles that fans can look forward to in the upcoming Cricket World Cup. It is sure to be a tournament full of excitement and drama, and these battles could be the deciding factors in many matches.