It was another weekend of thrilling action at the 2023 ICC Cricket World Cup in India with New Zealand, India and Afghanistan all claiming wins.

On Friday, the Black Caps beat Bangladesh by 8-wickets in Chennai to make it three-from-three and they remain one of the favourites to win the tournament.

In Ahmedabad, the pre-tournament favourites and hosts, India, claimed a big seven-wicket victory over their bitter rivals, Pakistan, and they too remain unbeaten after three games.

Jos Buttler - Cricinfo

On Sunday in Delhi, Afghanistan pulled off a big upset by convincingly beating the defending champions, England.

Afghanistan were bowled out for 284 runs in 49.5 overs. In reply, the Three Lions were bundled out for just 215 runs in 40.3 overs, for what was their second defeat of the tournament.

South African-born, Afghanistan coach, Jonathan Trott, who played for England, said it’s important to enjoy the moment, but they do have a game coming up against New Zealand.

“I think it'll take a while or hopefully it takes a little bit that sinks in pretty quickly because we've got to move on quite quickly as well,” said Trott.

“We got a game in Chennai in three days. But I think it's important that the guys enjoy it but also take stock and realise when they get a certain amount of things right in the 50 overs or the 100 overs completely, what they can achieve and the level of the team that they can put under pressure and compete with and win cricket matches. So, you don't want to get too far ahead.

“We played three and won one – but looking forward to getting to Chennai and rolling up our sleeves and getting cracking there.”

On Monday, the five-time champions, Australia, will be in action against Sri Lanka in Lucknow.

Australia as well as Sri Lanka will be targeting a first win at the World Cup. Along with the Netherlands, they are the only three teams not to record a win at the World Cup.

Play in Lucknow is scheduled to get underway at 10:30.

Rob Walter – Morgan Piek

Meanwhile, on Tuesday in Dharamshala, the Proteas will be in action again when they come up against the Netherlands.

The Dutch are a bogey side for the Proteas, but they will want to set the record straight as they target a third win.

South Africa are confident after big wins over Sri Lanka and Australia and a win will set the Proteas back to the top of the log.

The Proteas coach, Rob Walter, said it’s important to treat the Dutch with the respect they deserve and continue building on their own game.

“As we know, in this game, anyone can beat anyone. If you don’t rock up on the day, you can find yourself under pressure,” said Walter.

“So really the process that we have followed leading into each game so far stays exactly the same. We don’t disrespect any opposition by viewing them as lesser opponents.

“For us, every game is exactly the same thing – an opportunity to play the way we want to play the game, put our best foot forward, take care of our prep leading into the game, and obviously fight really hard for those two points.”

Tuesday’s match between South Africa and the Netherlands in Dharamshala is scheduled to get underway at 10:30.

Morgan Piek/OFM Sport