It is official. India will open its World Cup campaign against South Africa in Southampton on June 5, the International Cricket Council (ICC) confirmed on Thursday.
The two-time champion side will begin play its first game a week after the start of the ICC’s pinnacle 50-over tournament following Lodha Committee’s recommendation, which requires a 15-day window between the last Indian Premier League (IPL) match and the first international fixture. “As the final of IPL 2019 will be held on 19 May, the earliest India can play in the World Cup is on June 5, when they will go head to head with South Africa at Hampshire Bowl in Southampton,” the ICC said.
As reported by Sportstar earlier, for the first time in 27 years, all the participating teams will play each other in the round-robin league, with four making it to the knock-outs. It was decided by the ICC Board after a meeting in Kolkata on Thursday.
India will play its nine league matches in six cities from June 5 to July in the 10-team tournament.
If India tops or finish fourth in the 10-team table, it will play in the first semifinal at Old Trafford on July 9. In the scenario of India finishing second or third in the points table, it will feature in the second semifinal at Edgbaston on 11 July.
In a repeat of last year’s Champions Trophy final, India will take on traditional rival Pakistan at Old Trafford in Manchester on June 16.
India is presently the number-one ranked ODI side in the world and third most successful team in World Cup history behind Australia and South Africa. It enjoys a success percentage of 62.16 as it has played a total of 75 matches since 1975, and has won 46 matches and lost 27. Its one match was tied, while on was a no-result.
When the event was last staged in England and Wales in 1999, India had reached the Super Six stage where its only victory was against Pakistan at Old Trafford – its venue for next year’s match.
Comments
SHARE