ICC

2019 Cricket World Cup co-hosts England are favourites to beat Pakistan in Nottingham on Monday after their winning start against South Africa raised confidence they can win the tournament for the first time.

Even so, Pakistan tend to raise their game at a World Cup. It means this one-day international should be closer than the pre-tournament meetings between the two.

                                 

Date: Monday, June 3

Time: 10:30 a.m. BST/5:30 a.m. ET

TV Info: Sky Sports Cricket

Live Stream: Sky Go.

                     

Odds

England: 1-4

Pakistan 10-3

Odds according to Oddschecker.

             

The psychological edge surely belongs to an England team that was good enough to beat Pakistan 4-0 in a Test series earlier this year. That result proved the co-hosts can pile up the runs while also having the talent to wreck Pakistan's batting order.

A similar pattern looks set to play out again, especially given the emergence of breakout bowling talent Jofra Archer. The 24-year-old drew rave reviews after dismantling South Africa.

He posted 3-27 off seven overs, with the Guardian's Ali Martin applauding both Archer's accuracy and pace: "It is not only the speeds that England’s box fresh right-armer generates from that frictionless cruise to the crease—or, indeed, the subtle changes that see him flit from a breezy 87mph up to an unsettling 93mph—but that his line is so laser-precise with it."

Martin also noted how Mark Wood gives England another fast-bowling option.

Both he and Archer can play a key role in upsetting Pakistan's talented openers Imam-ul-Haq and Fakhar Zaman. Their performances are usually key to their side's fortunes.

It was no coincidence the West Indies were able to win by seven wickets on Friday after wasting little time getting both out. Zaman went early, falling victim to Andre Russell after Ul-Haq had put just two runs on the board in Nottingham.

England can do the same if Archer repeats his recent heroics. It will also help to have Ben Stokes repeat the strong form he displayed in the opener:

It was a ruthless England bowling display to win by 104 runs at The Oval https://t.co/aXy73x1nai

— Sky Sports Cricket (@SkyCricket) May 30, 2019

If Archer and Stokes get into the Pakistan order early, England should power their way to another win.

New Zealand and Australia both enjoyed wins at the 2019 Cricket World Cup on Saturday. The day began with New Zealand seeing off Sri Lanka by 10 wickets at Cardiff, before Bristol watched defending champions Australia beat Afghanistan by seven wickets

Lockie Ferguson and Matt Henry joined the top wicket-takers at the tournament, while Martin Guptill moved among the most prolific run-scorers following New Zealand's win.

Meanwhile, David Warner and Aaron Finch join Guptill after helping Australia slog their way to 209.

          

Saturday Scores

• New Zealand (137-0) bt. Sri Lanka (136)
• Australia (209-3) bt. Afghanistan (207)

     

Standings (Rank, Team, Won, Lost, Points, Net Run Rate, per ESPNcricinfo)

1. West Indies: 1, 0, 2, 5.802

2. New Zealand: 1, 0, 2, 5.754

3. England: 1, 0, 2, 2.08

4. Australia: 1, 0, 2, 1.86

5. Afghanistan: 0, 1, 0, -1.86

6. South Africa: 0, 1, 0 -2.08

7. Sri Lanka: 0, 1, 0, -5.754

8. Pakistan: 0, 1, 0, -5.802

          

Top Wicket-Takers

1. Oshane Thomas, West Indies: 4

2. Lockie Ferguson, New Zealand: 3

3. Jofra Archer, England: 3

4. Matt Henry, New Zealand: 3

5. Mohammad Amir, Pakistan: 3

         

Top Run-Scorers

1. David Warner, Australia: 89

2. Ben Stokes, England: 89

3. Martin Guptill, New Zealand: 73

4. Quinton de Kock, South Africa: 68

5. Aaron Finch, Australia: 66

All statistics, per the tournament's official website.

   

New Zealand tore into Sri Lanka's batting order, with Henry and Ferguson leading the way. They were helped by Sri Lanka's top order faltering, notching a mere 14 runs at the price of five wickets.

Ferguson allowed just 22 runs and took a trio of wickets from a little more than six overs to help New Zealand take control. Meanwhile, Henry took the wickets of Lahiru Thirimanne, Kusal Perera and Kusal Mendis. The latter went for a duck as Sri Lanka's order crumbled amid only meek resistance.

Today was Sri Lanka's second shortest World Cup innings as they could only put on 136 against New Zealand

All the stats: https://t.co/aimDfvOWBQ#NZvSL #CWC19 pic.twitter.com/LTqqm5pUKA

— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) June 1, 2019

New Zealand also benefited from two spectacular showings with the bat. Guptill was 73 not out, while fellow opener Colin Munro also thrived:

🇳🇿 New Zealand waltzing to victory at Cardiff. Martin Guptill has fifty, as does his opening partner, Colin Munro

SCORECARD 👉 https://t.co/WXLgwaLqmq #CWC19 #NZvSL pic.twitter.com/4YXDcioXFY

— The Cricketer (@TheCricketerMag) June 1, 2019

Skipper Kane Williamson has to be impressed by how effective his squad was in both phases. It's a warning this team can't be easily overlooked.

Afghanistan later delivered a valiant performance at the wicket to set Australia a chase of 208. Only some clutch bowling slowed Afghanistan down:

https://twitter.com/SkyCricket/status/1134842197289951232

Australia quickly set about the chase, with Finch soon clocking up a half century. The skipper wasn't intimidated by Afghanistan's many skilled spinners.

Finch put up 66 before he was caught out by Gulbadin Naib. Australia were still looking strong, though, on 103-1.

It meant the stage was set for Warner, and he duly delivered by bringing up 89 and finding the boundary on eight occasions. Batting power like this is why Australia remain the team others will fear.

Bangladesh face South Africa in London in Sunday's lone game.

Ben Stokes inspired England to victory in the opening match of the 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup on Thursday, as his team beat South Africa by 104 runs at the Oval. 

The all-rounder top-scored for England in their innings having been put in to bat by the Proteas, making a fine 89 as the hosts posted 311 for eight from their 50 overs.

In response, South Africa failed to cope with the speed and accuracy of England's Jofra Archer, as he took a number of crucial wickets. With the game petering away from South Africa late in the day, Stokes then produced this stunning catch to dismiss Andile Phehlukwayo:

https://twitter.com/SkyCricket/status/1134130850839351298

That was enough to completely take the wind out of South Africa, and in the end, they finished up all out for 207.

        

Table - (Matches, Wins, Points)

1. England (1,1,2)

2. Afghanistan (0,0,0)

3. Australia (0,0,0)

4. Bangladesh (0,0,0)

5. India (0,0,0)

6. New Zealand (0,0,0)

7. Pakistan (0,0,0)

8. Sri Lanka (0,0,0)

9. West Indies (0,0,0)

10. South Africa (1,1, 0)

   

Top Run-Scorers

89 - Ben Stokes (England)

68 - Quinton de Kock (South Africa)

57 - Eoin Morgan (England)

54 - Jason Roy (England)

50 - Rassie van der Dussen (South Africa)

     

Top Wicket-Takers

3 - Jofra Archer (England)

3 - Lungi Ngidi (South Africa)

2 - Ben Stokes (England)

2 - Imran Tahir (South Africa)

2 - Kagiso Rabada (South Africa)

       

Recap

England are blessed with so much batting firepower, but a number of their key players were left frustrated out in the middle by some canny South African bowling.

While they lost Jonny Bairstow on just the second ball of the innings, England recovered well, as Jason Roy and Joe Root made half-centuries. 

Per BBC Sport, the duo enjoy playing together:

How's stat?!

Joe Root and Jason Roy have reached a 50 partnership in each of their last three ODIs; they've never registered a longer run together.

Roy 42
Root 41

ENG 84-1

📽 Watch 👉 https://t.co/efskFMFz5T #bbccricket #CWC19 pic.twitter.com/FJjgNcfLGN

— Test Match Special (@bbctms) May 30, 2019

However, neither were able to push on to post a big score, as they were each dismissed in the space of three balls for loose shots. From there, it was up to Eoin Morgan and Stokes to steady the ship, which they did so brilliantly.

Morgan also failed to press on, but Stokes was at least around in the final overs, helping England move past 300. 

The all-rounder was patient to begin with and sought to be more aggressive late on. However, even he was noticeably agitated at not being able to time his shots to the bowling of Kagiso Rabada and Lungi Ngidi.

Still, he was able to pick up runs all around the wicket, with his 89 the crucial score in England's total of 311 for eight:

Ben Stokes is a remarkably versatile player and that is nicely illustrated by his wagon wheel today which shows how he has scored all round the ground. Stokes has only played two defensive shot in his entire innings. Superb intent & skilful execution. #CWC19 pic.twitter.com/sIohSHqT2z

— The CricViz Analyst (@cricvizanalyst) May 30, 2019

Ben Stokes' score of 89 off 79 balls is his highest ODI score since June 2017 when he made 102* off 109 balls against Australia. Stokes scored at more than a run-a-ball against pace and spin. In 30-ball blocks he increased his run rate from 5.20 to 7.60 to 7.89. #CWC19

— The CricViz Analyst (@cricvizanalyst) May 30, 2019

Although it wasn't a mammoth total for South Africa to chase down, it was always going to be tricky on a wicket that appeared to have plenty in it for the bowlers.

That much was evident early on, as Archer rattled Hashim Amla with a short ball that forced the South Africa opener to temporarily retire. The fast-bowler then struck twice in quick succession to put England back on top in the contest.

He snaffled the wicket of South Africa captain Faf du Plessis:

https://twitter.com/SkyCricket/status/1134105839046922240

At this stage, it was clear De Kock was the key wicket for England, as he continued to score freely despite the loss of other wickets. The wicketkeeper also enjoyed an amazing stroke of fortune while batting:

https://twitter.com/SkyCricket/status/1134108714284277762

However, he eventually lofted a shot down the throat of Root at square leg, seeing him depart for 68 and prompting a South African mini-collapse.

Van der Dussen did his utmost to settle the Proteas and was able to reach a half-century before he too was done by the pace of Archer. Sambit Bal was impressed with what he was seeing from the England bowler:

What a World Cup debut. Jofra Archer is the missing link in the England World Cup squad: a seriously potent fast bowler

— Sambit Bal (@sambitbal) May 30, 2019

Stokes then produced his magical moment in the field to effectively make the game safe for England. Sports journalist Daniel Storey commented on how stunned the crowd was:

It's so, so good. The normal cheers come two seconds later.

— Daniel Storey (@danielstorey85) May 30, 2019

From there, the belief drained from South Africa and Stokes took the ball late on to cap off his excellent day with a couple of wickets.

England are next in action against Pakistan on Monday, while South Africa take to the field on Sunday, when they will be big favourites versus Bangladesh.

Cricket World Cup hosts England (311-8) won their first match of the tournament against South Africa (207-10) on Thursday, easily holding off the Proteas to win by 104 runs.

Four batsmen scored half-centuries for England, with Ben Stokes the standout, scoring 89. South Africa fell behind the required run rate early and never came close to chasing down the target of 312.

England and Wales will host the World Cup, set to run until July 14.

Per Nick Hoult of The Telegraph, home-field advantage was negated by weather, with rain leaving the pitch greener than the hosts would have hoped:

At the Oval. England not massively happy with the pitch. Bit greener than they expect at this ground. Might have to temper the attacking shots if they bat first. Remember Lord’s v SA 2017 on a green top? England were 20-6

— Nick Hoult (@NHoultCricket) May 30, 2019

The Proteas won the toss and opted to bowl, sending out spinner Imran Tahir. He promptly got the World Cup off to a flying start for South Africa, taking the wicket of Jonny Bairstow in the first over:

#CWC2019:

-> Imran Tahir became the first spinner to bowl the first over of a World Cup.

-> Only the 2nd time a wicket fell in the first over of a World Cup.
John Wright got out on the first legitimate ball of the CWC 1992. #ENGvSA

— Sampath Bandarupalli (@SampathStats) May 30, 2019

The hosts soon started to find their groove, however. Fellow opener Jason Roy cruised to a half-century, one of four English batsmen to do so on Thursday, and he finished with figures of 54 from 53 balls.

Joe Root (51 from 59) and Eoin Morgan (57 from 60) also had excellent knocks, but the standout was Stokes, who blasted 89 from 79 before he was finally caught by Hashim Amla.

Sports writer Patrick Boyland noted the 27-year-old played well when needed:

Goes without saying, Ben Stokes exemplary in pressure situation. Wasn't a fantastic IPL, but big name stepping up when it matters

— Patrick Boyland (@Paddy_Boyland) May 30, 2019

Stokes' excellent knock was sorely needed, as his playing partners in the final 10 overs didn't produce much. Jos Buttler scored 18 from 16, Moeen Ali just three from nine and Chris Woakes 13 from 14. Stokes' wicket was the final to fall, and Liam Plunkett and Jofra Archer combined for 16 runs not out.

Lungi Ngidi led the Proteas with three wickets, but the 23-year-old also gave up 66 runs in 10 overs.

Per cricket writer Mohandas Menon, the Proteas had their work cut out for them:

If South Africa manages to reach their target, it will be the fourth highest successful run chase in #CWC history.
But this will be the highest successful run chase in a CWC match between two major cricketing sides!#CWC19 #EngvSA #SAvEng#CWC2019

— Mohandas Menon (@mohanstatsman) May 30, 2019

Per ESPNCricinfo, they appeared happy with their work with the ball, but their projected total was well below 300:

South Africa seemed happy with their bowling effort, but our Forecaster takes into account that just one of their top 6 strikes at above 90+ and had them falling short at the start of the chase

Follow live: https://t.co/QodlJKFzAC pic.twitter.com/NNhoWIz1BE

— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) May 30, 2019

Amla retired early with a head injury—another blow to the Proteas' bid. Even worse was the loss of star batsman Faf du Plessis, as he was caught after scoring just five from seven. Their win probability took a huge dive as a result:

Before #FafDuPlessis fell, South Africa were projected to reach 309, with a win probability of 38%

Without him, their win probability has dropped to 29% at the end of the 11th over#ENGvSA #CWC19 https://t.co/LMZ1G4sMKa pic.twitter.com/FPDUwdQ8IW

— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) May 30, 2019

Archer took both his wicket and that of Aiden Markram (11 from 12), bowling well early. He also got Rassie van der Dussen's wicket in the 32nd over.

Quinton de Kock got the Proteas to 100 with a big four at the start of the 21st over, keeping the side within striking distance of the required run rate. He didn't last much longer, however, as he was caught in the 23rd over, ending the match with figures of 68 from 74.

And once De Kock left the pitch, South Africa's innings fell apart. Jean-Paul Duminy (8 from 11) and Dwaine Pretorius (one from one) quickly followed:

South Africa crumbling here.
Almost immediately after enjoying a spell of dominance, with 28 from two overs.
De Kock. Duminy. Pretorius.
All gonzo.
And with them, possibly the match.
Damp squib after containing with the ball.#CWC19

— Squinting Quarantino (@whamzam17) May 30, 2019

England's highlight with the ball was this incredible catch from Stokes:

What on earth. Oh my. Ben Stokes has done something ridiculous. How has he held onto that? What?! Phehlukwayo out for 24

Tune in live on Fox Cricket 📺
And join our blog: https://t.co/YftIvJYDtN 📺 #CWC19 pic.twitter.com/KnIYw4iyiI

— Fox Cricket (@FoxCricket) May 30, 2019

Van der Dussen got a half-century for South Africa, scoring 50 from 61, but that wasn't nearly enough to chase down the target. Amla returned from his injury but only mustered 13 from 23.

Archer finished with three wickets in seven overs, giving up 27 runs.

Pakistan and West Indies will meet in Nottingham on Friday. South Africa face Bangladesh on June 2, one day before England play Pakistan.     

The 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup gets under way on Thursday, when England take on South Africa at The Oval.

England go into this competition as hosts and favourites, having built up a reputation as the standout one-day international side in the game under the guidance of skipper Eoin Morgan. They'll be keen to start the group stage of the competition in style.

South Africa are considered one of the powerhouses of the cricketing world and will be expected to be in the mix for the title this year. They have an experienced squad that should excel in the tournament, with the likes of Faf du Plessis, Dale Steyn and Hashim Amla all well-versed in big matches.

Here are the odds for the game, as well as the key viewing details and a preview of what's to come.

     

Odds

England win (1-2)

South Africa (2-1)

Odds courtesy of Oddschecker.

        

Date: Thursday, May 30

Time: 10:30 a.m. (BST), 5:30 a.m. (ET)

TV Info: Sky Sports Main Event (UK), Willow TV (U.S.)

Live Stream: Sky Go (UK)

        

Preview

At the previous World Cup, England were hammered by a number of their rivals and played stodgy cricket throughout the competition. Four years on, the transformation in the team has been exceptional.

Morgan has been a breath of fresh air as captain and has transformed the mindset of the team. While they were all about safety first in 2015, England are now aggressive and enterprising when it comes to limited overs matches.

Their ascension to become the top team in the world has been forged on the back of their batting firepower. Jos Buttler has been the star man in the middle order:

💯 FOR JOS BUTTLER!

What an innings! Just 50 balls and he brings it up with his NINTH six! Incredible!

📺 Watch #ENGvPAK on Sky Sports Cricket: https://t.co/tQnbqLwUWu
📱 Scorecard: https://t.co/qN1d3ohsdX pic.twitter.com/Dmugqz4W1v

— Sky Sports Cricket (@SkyCricket) May 11, 2019

The 28-year-old has developed into a man for all scenarios, as he's adept at hammering runs quickly or steadying the ship when required. When he does get on a roll, there aren't many bowling attacks in the game that can contain him.

He's the key man in what is a well-balanced lineup. At the top of the order, Jason Roy and Jonny Bairstow have developed a fine partnership, while Joe Root is rock solid at No. 3, with Morgan a livewire coming in after him.

Cricket statistician Mohandas Menon noted England have been the fastest-scoring side in the world since 2015:

Runs per over for batting sides in ODIs
Since #CWC15 #CWC2015
6.29 England
5.73 Australia
5.71 India/South Africa
5.68 New Zealand
5.54 Pakistan
5.32 Sri Lanka/Bangladesh
5.22 West Indies
5.18 Scotland
4.86 Ireland
4.79 Afghanistan
--
5.37 overall for all 21 sides#CWC19 #CWC2019

— Mohandas Menon (@mohanstatsman) May 27, 2019

While the batting lineup has been settled, Morgan has decisions to make in terms of his bowling attack. The captain chose to include the dynamic Jofra Archer in the squad ahead of the more dependable David Willey.

Archer is a raw talent who is capable of taking wickets, having impressed in domestic action and the recent Indian Premier League.

India captain Virat Kohli recently said he thinks the England bowler can make a big impression at the World Cup:

🌬️ 'Archer can generate a lot of pace which can be intimidating' -

👏 @imVkohli has been impressed with @JofraArcher who he has labelled as @englandcricket's 'X-factor'.

Listen to full podcast 👇
🏏📲: https://t.co/txqI9llBIO #bbccricket #CWC19 pic.twitter.com/i24VXprYDq

— BBC 5 Live Sport (@5liveSport) May 24, 2019

It will be fascinating to see Archer, should he get in the XI, up against some of the wily batsmen in the South Africa lineup.

Although the Proteas are now without the inventive brilliance of AB de Villiers, De Plessis and Amla are renowned for their stubbornness at the crease. They are dangerous with the ball too, with Steyn, Kagiso Rabada and Andile Phehlukwayo capable of producing rapid deliveries.

England's variety with the bat should ensure they get over the line in this encounter, though. While they may have to negotiate a tricky spell when South Africa get the new ball, the team's middle order is adept at pushing the hosts to a huge score or a successful chase.

Bangladesh's third Test against New Zealand has been cancelled after the touring team narrowly avoided a terrorist attack on a Christchurch mosque that saw at least 40 people killed on Friday. 

Most of the Bangladesh squad were outside the Al Noor mosque in Christchurch's city centre and were about to step off their bus to go inside at the time of the attack, per AFP (h/t Sky Sports).

Spokesperson for the Bangladesh Cricket Board, Jalal Yunus, told AFP: "They are safe, but they are mentally shocked. We have asked the team to stay confined in the hotel."

Mohammad Isam of ESPN Cricinfo wrote that players escaped to the nearby Hagley Oval, where the third Test was set to take place on Friday, after the attack began. 

New Zealand Cricket CEO David White said: "We are shocked and appalled as I am sure all New Zealanders are. We are offering support to all those within the teams affected by the situation and are continuing to take advice from authorities on the ground."

Isam posted a video walking alongside members of the Bangladesh squad through Hagley Park just after the attacks took place:

Bangladesh team escaped from a mosque near Hagley Park where there were active shooters. They ran back through Hagley Park back to the Oval. pic.twitter.com/VtkqSrljjV

— Mohammad Isam (@Isam84) March 15, 2019

An attack was carried out at a second mosque in Christchurch that saw seven people killed, with three men and a woman taken into custody. One man was charged with murder, with a court appearance in Christchurch set for Saturday.

One person was later released.

Bangladesh team manager Khaled Mashud confirmed the team were ending their tour early:

Bangladesh Team Manager Khaled Mashud Pilot speaks to the media following the incident of shooting in Christchurch. Blackcaps (NZC) and the Bangladesh Cricket Bord : Tigers (BCB) has been made to cancel the Hagley Oval Test pic.twitter.com/CH80ohDFMO

— Bangladesh Cricket (@BCBtigers) March 15, 2019

The Guardian's Lisa Martin reported 20 people were also left injured across both attacks in what was "the worst mass shooting in New Zealand's history." 

New Zealand Cricket issued a statement:

Our heartfelt condolences go out to the families and friends of those affected by the shocking situation in Christchurch. A joint decision between NZC and the @BCBtigers has been made to cancel the Hagley Oval Test. Again both teams and support staff groups are safe.

— BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) March 15, 2019

Those responsible for the shootings were also said to have attached a number of improvised explosive devices to vehicles in the area, which were disarmed by authorities before detonating.

Prime minister Jacinda Ardern responded to the attacks:

"There is no place in New Zealand for such acts of extreme and unprecedented violence, which it is clear this act was. This is significant and I can tell you now this is and will be one of New Zealand's darkest days. I would describe it as an unprecedented act of violence, an act that has absolutely no place in New Zealand. This is not who we are."

Ardern also said New Zealand's national security threat level had been increased from low to high:

"Our national security threat level has been lifted from low to high."

New Zealand's PM Jacinda Arden has given the latest updates on the terror attacks in Christchurch where at least 40 people have been shot dead at mosques.

Follow live updates here: https://t.co/aZ2xrMITXm pic.twitter.com/2V3Opg5zXf

— Sky News (@SkyNews) March 15, 2019

New Zealand Cricket has also cancelled a women's match between Australia Under-19s and a New Zealand development team that was scheduled to take place at Lincoln's Bert Sutcliffe Oval.