Credit: Twitter

Credit: Twitter

The two opening matches of the ICC Men's ODI World Cup 2023 brought a one-sided result as New Zealand thrashed England by nine wickets while Pakistan after struggling in batting, defended their target against the Netherlands with ease. Two matches are scheduled to be played on Saturday in the quadrennial tournament on Saturday, October 7.

Before we discuss Friday's cricket events, take a look at today's match preview:

ICC ODI World Cup 2023

Afghanistan vs Bangladesh: While Afghanistan reached the final in the Men's Cricket event at the Asian Games 2023 after defeating teams like Pakistan and Sri Lanka, they will begin their World Cup campaign against Bangladesh on Saturday at 10:30 a.m. IST in Dharamsala.
South Africa vs Sri Lanka: In the second match on Saturday, South Africa and Sri Lanka are scheduled to face each other in their World Cup opener. The two teams will square off against each other at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi on Saturday at 02:00 p.m. IST.

Asian Games 2023: Men's Cricket

Afghanistan vs India: The two teams will battle for the gold in the Men's Cricket event final at the Asian Games 2023 on Saturday at 11:30 a.m. IST. While Afghanistan defeated Pakistan in the semi-final, India dominated Bangladesh to enter the final.
Pakistan vs Bangladesh: The third-place playoff in the Men's Cricket at the Asian Games 2023 between Pakistan and Bangladesh has been delayed due to rain. Pakistan were batting at 48 for 1 in five overs before the rain stopped the match.

Here, we will discuss the major cricket events that happened on Friday, October 6:

CWC 2023: Bowlers help Pakistan crawl back to beat the Netherlands by 81 runs

Pakistan defeated the Netherlands to win their first game of the ICC ODI World Cup 2023 in India. Playing at Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad, the Dutch invited Pakistan to bat first and dominated with a spell of great new-ball bowling. After being three down at 38, Mohammed Rizwan and Saud Shakeel posted a 120-run partnership to bring Pakistan back into the match. Pakistan registered an 81-run win as Haris Rauf starred by picking up three wickets in nine overs while giving away 43 runs.

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Asian Games 2023: Men's Cricket semifinals

India and Afghanistan reached the final after winning their respective semi-final clashes against Bangladesh and Pakistan on Friday. While India defeated Bangladesh by nine wickets as Tilak Varma scored a quick half-century, Afghanistan held their nerves to beat Pakistan by four wickets and 13 balls remaining. India and Afghanistan will face each other on Saturday for the gold medal at the Asian Games 2023.

NOTE: The first game of the five-match T20I series between South Africa Women and New Zealand Women was abandoned without a ball being bowled due to rain.

Shubman Gill tests positive for Dengue, doubtful for World Cup opener against Australia

India opener Shubman Gill, who has been in staggering form, reportedly tested positive for dengue ahead of Team India's ICC Men's ODI World Cup 2023 opener against Australia on October 8 at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. If the reports are true, then India could miss the services of the 24-year-old for their high-voltage clash against the Aussies.

Also read: The medical team hasn't ruled him out yet - Rahul Dravid on Shubman Gill

Hardik Pandya gets hit on finger while batting in nets on October 5: Reports

After the news about Indian opening batter Shubman Gill suffering dengue ahead of the team's first ICC ODI World Cup 2023 match against Australia, the Men in Blue have been dealt another big blow. Information about all-rounder Hardik Pandya being hit on his finger Team in India's net session on October 5 surfaced.

Thomas Muller wishes Rohit Sharma & Team India luck ahead of CWC opener

Thomas Muller, the footballing star of Bayern Munich, has wished Rohit Sharma and Team India "all the very best" ahead of their opener against Australia in the ODI World Cup 2023 at home. The 34-year-old is one of the most decorated footballers in the history of Germany, winning all the major trophies in his career, like the FIFA World Cup 2014 at the international level, while his club-level successes include multiple UEFA Champions Leagues, Bundesligas, and FIFA Club World Cups.

Maheesh Theekshana to miss Sri Lanka's CWC 2023 opener against South Africa

Sri Lanka star spinner Maheesh Theekshana will not be included in the playing xi for their ODI World Cup 2023 opener against South Africa. Sri Lanka coach Chris Silverwood confirmed Theekshana has been ruled out of the World Cup opener against the Proteas on the eve of the game. The 23-year-old spinner has not fully recovered from the hamstring tear he suffered in the Asia Cup.