The ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 kicked off in spectacular fashion with a thrilling opener between New Zealand and England at the Narendra Modi Stadium in ?Ahmedabad on October 5.

As cricket enthusiasts worldwide revel in the excitement of this mega event, one of the game’s all-time greats, Sri Lankan spin legend Muttiah Muralitharan, has graciously shared his insights and opinions regarding the potential title contenders in the ODI World Cup 2023. With a wealth of experience and a deep understanding of the sport?, the former right-arm spin?ner offered his predictions on which teams could emerge as frontrunners to lift the coveted trophy.

Moreover, Muralitharan has also cast his gaze upon a team that he considers the ‘Darkhorse’ of this thrilling tournament, suggesting that there may be an underdog capable of springing surprises and making a strong impact in the ongoing grand cricketing event.

Muralitharan picks ODI World Cup 2023 favourites and potential ‘ Dark horse’

In an exclusive interview with MyKhel, Muralitharan stated that India, Australia and the defending champions, England, are currently in good touch and could be the possible contenders for t?he highly prestigious ODI Worl?d Cup 2023 Trophy.

Also READ: Sydney Thunder sign Sri Lanka skipper Chamari Athapaththu for Wo?men’s Big Bash League 2023

On being asked about the ‘ Dark Horse’ of the CWC 2023, the Kandy-born cricketer named Temba Bavuma-led South Africa, si??ghting their performance as the reason behind it.

‘I think this year South Africa will be the Dark horse as they’ve started playing well’ the 51-year-old mentioned.

It is worth noting that South Africa kicked off their ODI World Cup 2023 campaign in a stunning fashion, marking a mammoth 102-run victory over Dasun Shanaka-led Sri Lanka on October 7.

The Proteas’ batting order outclassed the Lankan bowling attack as Quinton De Kock (100) and Rassie van der Dussen (108) played centurion knocks alongside Aiden Markram, who th??umped up 10??6 runs, marking the fastest century in the ODI World Cup history (49 balls).

Also READ: ODI World Cup 2023 – Meet the wives and girlfriends of Sri Lanka cricketers

For latest cricket news & updates, visit betvisa68.com.

The ongoing ICC Men’s ODI World Cup 2023 in India is proving to be an spectacular event, witnessing a flurry of records sh??attered within just a few matches. Over its 13 editions since its establishment in 1975, this tournament has consistently brought forth the fines??t bowlers on the grandest stages of cricket.

Here is ?the list of bowlers who are the fastest to reach the 50-wicket mark in the history of ODI World Cups:

1) Mitchell Sta??rc, Australia (2015-2023): 19 Matches

Mitchell Starc, the Australian left-arm fast bowler, has been a standout performer in some previous ODI World Cups. His 50th wicket came against India in the ODI World Cup 2023, achieving a significant milestone in just 19 matches, making him the fastest to reach this feat. His ability to swing the ball at high speeds and deliver deadly yorkers has ma??de him a force to be reckoned with in World Cup cricket.

2) Lasith Malinga, Sri Lanka (2007-2019): 25 Matches

Lasith Malinga, the Sri Lankan speedster with his unique action, reached 50 wickets in just 25 World Cup matches. Known for his toe-crushing yorkers and unplayable slower bal?ls, the right-arm pacer was a nightmare for batters in World Cup competitions.

Also READ: Virat Kohli overtakes Sachin Tendulkar to become India’s leading run-scorer In ICC white-ball tournaments

3) Glenn McGrath, Australia (1996-2007): 30 Matches

The Australian legend Glenn McGrath was a master of line and length. He took 50 wickets in 30 World Cup matches. The 53-year-old’s remarkable consistency and ability to extract bounce and seam movement made him a standout performer in the tournament.

4) Muttiah Muralitharan, Sri Lanka (1996??-2011): 30 Matches

Muttiah Muralitharan, the Sri Lankan spin wizard, also reac??hed the 50-wicket mark in 30 World Cup appea??rances. His unmatched skill in spinning the ball both ways troubled even the best of batters. The right-arm bowler was a true match-winner for his nation.

5) Wasim Akram, Pakistan (1987-2003): 33 Matches

Wasim Akram, the fast-bowling maestro, completed 50 wickets in 33 World Cup fixtures. He was known for his lethal pace, swing, and reverse swing. Akram’s ability to deliver in pressure situations made him an invaluable asset for Pakistan in World Cup tournaments.

Also READ: ODI World Cup 2023 – Categoric list of prohibited items within the stadium premises

For latest cricket news & updates, visit betvisa68.com.

In a cricketing world buzzing with excitement ahead of the ODI World Cup 2023, Sri Lanka’s legendary spin maestro, Muttiah Muralitharan, has weighed in with his predictions for the tournament’s semifinalists. Known for his cricketing wisdom and unparalleled spin-bowling expertise, Muralitharan’s insights have added a layer of excitement to the build-up of this prestigious event.

W??ith 68 wickets to his name, Muralitharan still holds the record for the most wickets in ODI World Cup history by an Asian player.

Muralitharan’s predictions for the semifinalists of the ODI World Cup 2023

India: Muralitharan acknowledged India’s impressive track record in ODI cricket and their familiarity with home conditions. He emphasized India’s formidable batting lineup and quality bowling attack, making them a strong contender in the tournament.

England: The English team, according to Muralitharan, possesses the perfect blend of experienced players and emerging talent. Their recent successes in ?limited-overs cricket hav?e made them a force to be reckoned with, and Muralitharan expects them to make a strong push in the tournament.

Also READ: Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma give fans an ‘aww’ moment with their playful social media banter

Australia: Muralitharan highlighted Australia’s history of consistent performances in international cricket and their experienced roster. He believes that Australia’s squad has the capability to secure a spot in the semifinals, given their cricketing pedigree.

Wildcard: As for the fourth semifinalist, Muralitharan kept the door open for a surprise contender. He acknowledged that in the world of crick?et, anything can happen, and the fourth spot could be claimed by any team.

“You never know (for the 4th team); cricket is all about luck. As seen in the last World Cup, we thought that New Zealand would win and England won the trophy with luck favouring them,” Muralitharan was quoted as saying by India ??Today.

Additionally, Muralitharan emphasized that teams from the subcontinent may enjoy an advantage due to the spin-friendly wickets, and their batsmen are accustomed to playing against spin bowling. This factor could play ??a crucial role in their performance during the tournament.

Also READ: MS Dhoni’s new Shah Rukh Khan-like ponytail look gives fans 2007 vintage vibes

As cricket enthusiasts eagerly await the commencement of the ODI World Cup 2023, Muralitharan’s insights have further fuelled the excitement and anticipation surrounding this global cricketing extravaganza. With the tournament set to unfold on October 5, the world will witness which teams rise to the occasion and make their mark on cricket’s grandest stage.

For latest cricket news & updates, visit betvisa68.com.

In a recent interview about his upcoming biopic ‘800’, cricketing legend Muttiah Muralitharan revealed the most challenging batter he ever bowled to. His remarkable cricketing journey will soon be brought to life on the big screen as ‘800’ is scheduled for release on October 6th.

Muttiah Muralitharan: A record-breaking cricket legend

Muralitharan, the cricketing maestro, left an indelible mark on the game during his international career spanning from 1992 to 2011. The 51-year-old boasts the incredible feat of holding the record for the highest number of wickets in both ODIs and Test matches. His remarkable tally of 1347 wickets includes a staggering 800 wickets in Test games, showcasing his dominance in the longest format, along with 534 scalps in ODIs. Muralitharan also demonstrated his adaptability by claiming 13 wickets in T20 Internationals (T20Is). His journey is a testament to his extraordinary talent and unwavering dedication to cricket, solidifying his status as one of the sport’s all-time greats.

Also READ: Internet erupts wi??th memes as India claims No.1 spot in all formats after thrashing Australia in Mohali?? ODI

The carefree genius: Virender Sehwag

During an exclusive interview with Himesh Mankad of Pinkvilla, Muralitharan revealed that he considered India’s former explosive opener, Virender Sehwag, as the most formidable opponent he encountered. According?? to Kandy-??born cricketer what set Sehwag apart was his carefree approach to batting. Sehwag had a unique ability to not overly value his wicket and instead played his natural game.

“I every time enjoyed getting Sehwag out since he smashed..; See, he doesn’t care about getting out and he doesn’t put any value to his wicket. He just plays his natural game. He is so dangerous when he is on song that you can’t stop him. Just right and left, he will damage you. So, he has done it to me so many times. He is the most dangerous player but on a given day, so many players have troubled me”. Muralitharan said. 

Star-studded trailer launch event

A couple of weeks ago, the trailer launch event for ‘800’ was a star-studded affair in Mumbai. Among the attendees were Muralitharan’s former Sri Lankan teammate and legendary all-rounder Sanath Jayasuriya, as well as the iconic batting maestro, Sachin Tendulkar. The movie promises to bring Muralitharan’s incredible cricketing journey to life on the big screen, giving fans a deeper insight into the man behind the legendary spin bowling records.

This revelation by Muralitharan adds another layer to Sehwag’s already legendary status in cricket and highlights the unique qualities that made him one of the most feared batters of his generation.

Also READ: ICC unveils the full schedule of 2024 Men’s Under-1??9 World Cup; India’s first match against Bangladesh

For latest cricket news & updates, visit betvisa68.com.

Legendary Sri Lanka spinner Muttiah Muralitharan has acknowledged the pivotal role played by the Indian Premier League (IPL) in the evolution of Indian cricket. Having been a part of Sri Lanka’s 1996 World Cup-winning team under the leadership of Arjuna Ranatunga, Muralitharan subsequently featured in two more World Cup finals—in 2007 against Australia and in 2011 against India, which marked his? final international appearance.

The influence of Indian Premier League

In an ??exclusive conversation with ANI, Muralitharan highlighted the profound impact of the IPL on Indian cricket. He attributed the IPL with being a breeding ground for a wealth of cricketing talent that has significantly contributed to the strength and dept??h of Indian cricket.

“It (IPL) has given players something to look forward to. It has given them a lot of money and opportunities. IPL has given a lot of talent to India as well. There are so many talented players. Now, like the IPL, many leagues like the Tamil Nadu Premier League (TNPL) have started. Players from here get selected to play IPL as well. Indian cricket is in good shape because of IPL,” Muralitharan said.

Also READ: Rav??ichandran Ashwin recalls when Virat Kohli hailed an Indian opener as more dangerous than MS Dhoni in dea??th overs

Muttiah Muralitharan identifies top contenders

The Kandy-born cricketer further shared his astute observations and unveiled his top four favourites to win the ODI World Cup 2023. He highlighted India’s distinct advantage of playing on home turf, enjoying unwavering support from passionate crowds at every venue. Muralitharan also identified Australia, England and Pakistan as formidable? contende?rs for the coveted championship.

“In this World Cup, the advantage is more to India and the reason is that it is a very good side. Then they have a home advantage; billion people positive waves, wherever you go you see Indian crowd and it gives a boost to the playersâ€?I think they are the biggest favorite and then Australia will be a favorite, England will be a favourite and Pakistan can also be a favourite. Four favorites, I am picking,” the 51-year-old added.

The unpredictable element of luck

Muralitharan emphasized the element of luck, which often plays a pivotal role in securing victory in major tournaments, citing England’s triumph in the 2019 World Cup.

“You have to have luck, it is important. England won the last World Cup out of luck or New Zealand would have won that World Cup,â€?he concluded.

It is worth noting that the last time the World Cup graced Indian shores in 2011, MS Dhoni led the Indian team to a glorious victory. Since then, the host nations have consistently clinched the title, with Australia in 2015 and England in 2019, further enhancing India’s standing as strong contenders for the impending tournament.

Also READ: ICC ODI Ranking: How India can outshine Australia, P??akistan to claim No. 1 spot

For latest cricket news & updates, visit betvisa68.com.

The spectacle of a cricket match between arch-rivals India and Pakistan played out in front of empty stands, is a disheartening sight for cricket fans worldwide. This rivalry has historically drawn immense attention and enthusiasm, making it one of the sport’s most anticipated and watched events. However, the ongoing Asia Cup 2023, which? features these two cricketing giants, has failed to live up to expectations in terms of a?ttendance.

To address the issue of empty seats and boost attendance, Sri Lanka Cricket took the initiative to revise ticket prices just before the India-Pakistan clash. The revised ticket prices were set at Rs 500 and Rs 1000, representing a significant reduction compared to the previous pricing structure. Despite the price reduction, the revised ticket rates didn’t have the desired impact on attendance.

Also READ: IND vs PAK – Ravi Shastri lauds Rohit Sharma as he outshines Sachin Tendulkar’s Asia Cup milestone

I don’t think anyone can afford that much money in Sri Lanka: Muttiah Muralitharan

Former Sri Lankan spinner Muttiah Muralitharan, a revered figure in the cricket world, has voiced his concern about the situation. In his statement, he criticized Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for the high priced structure of the tickets.

“It is the PCB who has decided the prices for these tickets as they are hosting the Asia Cup this year. Sri Lanka is currently going through a financial crisis. The ticket prices are really expensive and they were reduced at the last moment (just before the India vs. Pakistan match in Colombo) but it doesn’t work that way. The ticket prices start from Sri Lankan Rupees 6000 and upwards. If you want to watch the match from the grandstands it is 40000 to 50000 Sri Lankan Rupees which is equivalent to a person’s monthly salary. I don’t think anyone can afford that much money in Sri Lanka,” said Muralitharan as quoted by News18.

Notably, Pakistan are the official ho??st of the Asia Cup 2023.

Murali feels that the people o?f Sri Lanka want to go and enjoy the match, but they cannot do so because the cost?? of the tickets is unaffordable.

“In Sri Lanka, whenever there are matches there is always a full house in the stadium. People want to come and watch these matches but they can’t afford such high-priced tickets. Even Sri Lanka vs. Bangladesh game which happened on Saturday didn’t attract many people despite the home team being in action and doing well,” he added.

Also READ: Asia Cup 2023, IND vs PAK – R. Premadasa Stadium Pitch Report, Colombo Weather Forecast For Reserve Day

For latest cricket news & updates, visit betvisa68.com.

As the cricketing world eagerly anticipates the ODI World Cup 2023 set to be hosted in India from October 5 to November 19, former Sri Lankan spin maestro Muttiah Muralitharan has weighed in with his expert opinion on which team stands the best chance to clinch the covete?d title.

The tournament will see major Indian cities such as Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Lucknow, and Ahmedabad among others hosting fixtures, promising a thrilling spectacle for cricket enthusiasts worldwide. The opening game on October 5 will be a repeat of the last edition’s summit clash, with defending champions England taking on New Zealand at the illustrious Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.

The hosts, India, will embark on their campaign on October 8, facing Australia at the iconic MA Chidamb?aram Stadium in Chennai. Cricket aficionados can circle October 14 on their calendars, as the much-awaited showdown between arch-rivals India and Pakistan is slated to be held in Ahmedabad.

Also READ: ICC ??announces full list of umpires and match referees for the ODI World Cup 2023

Muralitharan’s expert insight on favourite contenders

Muralitharan, known for his astute cricketing insights, highlighted the significance of subcontinent conditions, emphasizing that Asian teams, including India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka??, and Bangladesh, hold a significant advantage.

“In our conditions, the Asian teams are better teams than those two (England and Australia) sides. Conditions matter—you are playing in India, not in England or New Zealand. The last time England won on home turf. But now they are getting beaten by New Zealand in T20Is. India and Pakistan will have a good chance; Sri Lanka is playing well, as is Bangladesh. Asian countries have a good chance,” Muralitharan stated, as reported by PTI.

The cricket legend acknowledged the unpredictable nature of the World Cup and the challenges it presents. However, Murali reckoned Team India have t?he better chance to? repeat the 2011 heroics.

“Every team has its strengths and weaknesses. A World Cup is something that nobody can predict—when you come to knockouts, it is very hard. All teams are good; they would have covered their bases from the matches they have played. But if you ask, India has a better chance because they are playing at home,” explained Muralitharan.

Also READ: AB de ?Villiers predicts the leading run-scorer of ODI World Cup 2023

For latest cricket news & updates, visit betvisa68.com.