The 13th edition of the quadrennial event began on September 5 with a clash between defending champions England and finalists New Zealand.

Ten teams will lock horns against each other for the coveted trophy across 45 group-stage matches. The top four sides will play semi-finals in Mumbai and Kolkata. The final will be held in Ahmedabad on November 19.

World Cup 2023 points table: Updated points tally and net run rate

In match one, New Zealand decimated England, recording a nine-wicket victory. Bowling first, they ensured the cup holders were restricted to 289-9 after 50 overs. Chasing the target, Will Young returned to the pavilion on his first ball without troubling the scorers. Unbeaten centuries from Devon Conway (152) and Rachin Ravindra (123) took Tom Latham’s men over the finish line without further hiccups. They knocked off the score in 36.2 overs to secure a massive net run rate boost of +2.149. Currently, they are the table toppers with two points.

Pakistan made light work of a significantly weaker Netherlands when they faced each other in the next fixture. Batting first, they were reduced to 38-3 in 8.3 overs, with Fakhar Zaman, Babar Azam and Imam-ul-Haq dismissed. Riding Mohammad Rizwan’s 68 (75) and Saud Shakeel’s 68 (52), Babar’s side posted a decent target of 286. Netherlands were bowled out for 205 in 41 overs thanks to Haris Rauf’s 3-43 with the ball. They gained two vital points and are second on the points table with a net run rate of +1.620

Bangladesh opened their account with an easy win against Afghanistan today (October 7). Chasing a paltry 157, they wrapped up the match in 34.4 overs, losing four wickets. Mehidy Hasan Miraz was adjudged Player of the Match for his all-round contributions. He notched up a steady 57 (73) with the bat to complement his bowling figures of 3-25.

Australia and India are the only sides yet to play a match. They will face each other in a blockbuster on October 8 in Chepauk.