In the run-up to the highly anticipated ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023, Team India is gearing up for two crucial warm-up matches against formidable opponents. These warm-up fixtures not only provide India with the ideal platform to hone their skills and assess their readiness but also offer fans an enticing glimpse into the form and potential of their favorite teams and players.

The chosen venues for these warm-up clashes include Guwahati, Thiruvananthapuram, and Hyderabad, ensuring accessibility for fans across India. The excitement is set to unfold at 2:00 PM IST, and cricket enthusiasts can catch every electrifying moment through live coverage on the Star Sports Network and Disney+ Hotstar.

The Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad will witness two thrilling encounters. On September 29, New Zealand and Pakistan will square off, setting the stage for their World Cup campaigns. The excitement continues on October 3 as Pakistan takes on Australia, promising a high-stakes battle between these cricketing giants.

Guwahati’s Barsapara Cricket Stadium promises cricketing fervor, commencing with the clash between Bangladesh and Sri Lanka on September 29. On September 30, fans can look forward to a captivating match between India and England, followed by England facing Bangladesh on October 2. The warm-up action in Guwahati reaches its climax on October 3, as Afghanistan locks horns with Sri Lanka in an intense showdown.

Team India celebrated their triumphant return home, securing their eighth Asia Cup title in style with a commanding 10-wicket victory over Sri Lanka in the final showdown at Colombo. In a match where speedster Mohammed Siraj unleashed a fiery spell, it was the opening partnership of Shubman Gill and Ishan Kishan that paved the way for India’s eighth Asia Cup conquest. With the match wrapped up in under three hours, the players touched down in India early Monday morning. Now, they are set for a well-deserved rest before their final assignment leading up to the ICC Cricket World Cup in October – a three-match ODI series against Australia, commencing on September 22, on their home turf.

#WATCH | Team India arrived at Mumbai’s Kalina Airport after winning the #AsiaCup2023 finals against Sri Lanka.

India beat Sri Lanka in the Asia Cup final by 10 wickets.

Opting to bat first, Sri Lanka’s decision backfired as Siraj quickly made them rue their choice, reducing them to a perilous 13/6 with an extraordinary four-wicket over. While Kusal Mendis managed 17 runs, and Dushan Hemantha contributed an unbeaten 13, these efforts only provided brief moments of respite. Siraj completed his spell with stellar figures of 6/21 in seven overs, while Pandya chipped in with 3/3 in 2.2 overs, and Bumrah grabbed 1/23 in five overs. Sri Lanka’s innings crumbled, with a mere 50 runs on the board in 15.2 overs.

In response, Ishan Kishan (23*) and Shubman Gill (27*) formed an unbroken partnership, efficiently chasing down the target in just 6.1 overs without conceding a single wicket.

Team India secured its spot in the Super 4 stage of the ongoing Asia Cup after a convincing 10-wicket victory (DLS method) over Nepal on Monday. Following a rain-affected match against Pakistan on Saturday, India once again had to contend with inclement weather. However, this time, the outcome favored India as they successfully chased down a revised target of 145 runs in 20.1 overs. The persistent rainfall in Sri Lanka has become a significant topic of discussion, affecting match outcomes.

“We repeatedly pointed out that the rains forecast in SL would adversely impact match results and diminish crowds at stadiums. We also argued that gate receipts from UAE stadiums would be significantly higher given economic considerations. When Mr. Shah didn’t agree, a high-level delegation from the Emirates Cricket Board flew to Mumbai to persuade BCCI to host the Asia Cup in the UAE, as it had been done in the past for IPL and ACC ODI events with similar weather conditions. BCCI refused their request. Only Mr. Shah can explain why these options were rejected and why Sri Lanka was chosen against all reason, logic, and rationality. The choice of venues in Sri Lanka has also proven problematic,” he added.