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The semis race has become juicy in the early stage of ODI World Cup (ODI World Cup 2023). While each team played at least three matches, almost four teams dropped out of the semis race. There are no big expectations on them from the beginning. But there is no situation to take matches with these teams easily. There is no doubt that these teams, who do not have much hope for the semis, will look to make their mark on the tournament and achieve as many wins as possible. Those teams who are capable of defeating any team on the day they meet.. there is no threat to the teams hoping for semis berths.
No one expected the small teams of Afghanistan and Netherlands to reach the semis of the World Cup. Expectations for Sri Lanka and Bangladesh are low. Of these, Afghanistan played four matches and lost three. Despite the sensational victory against England, it is difficult to think about the semis as they lost in the remaining three matches. It is also impossible for the Netherlands, who shocked South Africa, to take the lead. Sri Lanka lost all the three matches they played and lost their hopes for the semis. Bangladesh lost two out of three matches. All these are technically in the semis race but it is difficult to get past the big teams. Even those teams did not know this matter. But if these teams are taken lightly by the big teams in the race for the semis, that’s all.
These results are proof
This time the defending champion England entered the World Cup as a hot favourite. But they got a shock at the hands of a small team like Afghanistan. With this, it went away from the list of favorites. That defeat is likely to have a serious impact on the chances of the semis. What is the pressure on the team if a victory that is expected to be counted for sure is lost? South Africa, who took the lead in the semis race with two consecutive big victories against Sri Lanka and Australia, were blown away by the Netherlands in the next match. Even if the Dutch team won against small teams like Afghanistan and Bangladesh in this tournament, they thought it was great. But only South Africa was defeated. This defeat is a blow to the chances of the Safari team.
Currently, New Zealand and India are leading in the race for the semis. The other four teams are in a slightly awkward position. These teams will have to play carefully from now on. Every match is important for them. Every loss hurts the semis chances. On the other hand, teams like Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Afghanistan and Netherlands, who have no hopes of the semis, have a chance to play aggressively as if they are going to lose if they fight. Even technically, if they are out of the semis race, they will lose every match. At the same time, the situation of the teams hoping for the semis becomes life-threatening. Against this backdrop, matches with smaller teams will also become interesting. If there are some more sensational results in the tournament, there is no doubt that the semis race will become more interesting.
– Sports section today
