A careful look at some of the statistics that have emerged after three weeks of the 2023 Cricket World Cup subtly indicate what the main ingredients are for success in this tournament.
After the conclusion of Game 24 (when this article was written), all participating teams played five matches each, excepting England and Sri Lanka who played four games each.
The points table is led by India with five wins. South Africa, New Zealand and Australia take up positions second, third and fourth.
Threatening to break into the coveted top four spots are Pakistan and Afghanistan with four points. The bottom four slots see Sri Lanka (seventh), England (eighth), Bangladesh (ninth) and Netherlands (tenth).
Here is an interesting take on some of the tournament's statistics and what separates India, South Africa and New Zealand at the top from the rest.
1. EXPLOSIVE SOUTH AFRICA
Of the top five innings totals posted so far in the tournament, South Africa sees itself on that list on three occasions.
The highest total so far has been 428/5, which South Africa posted against Sri Lanka in Delhi. Other than that, the African side came close to scoring 400+ on two other occasions when they hammered England (399/8) in Wankhede and Bangladesh (382/5) also in Wankhede.
South Africa's Quinton de Kock is the highest run-getter in this tournament and Heinrich Klaasen has the most impressive combination of batting average and strike rate.
2. BOWLING DISCIPLINE KEY TO SUCCESS
In their respective first five matches, New Zealand and India have been the most disciplined bowling teams. They have bowled the fewest wides and no-balls. While New Zealand gave away 21 wides and 5 no-balls in the tournament so far, India has given away 27 wides and 2 no-balls. This is a critical indicator considering these two teams are at the top of the points table.
Sri Lanka, which has good cricketing repute, is struggling at this world event. They have given away the most wides (64) and no-balls (7), though the team has played just four matches.
3. MUMBAI, DELHI GROUNDS TURN OUT TO BE BATTING BEAUTIES
The highest totals in this world cup have been posted at Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi and the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. These two stadiums have seen scores such as 428/5, 399/7, 399/8, 382/5 and 367/9.
This is an important statistic as one of the semi-finals will be played at the Wankhede Stadium.
4. WICKET-TAKING TEAMS DOMINATE
The mantra for this world cup has been attack instead of contain. So far South Africa has taken the most wickets, with 48 dismissals. They are second in the points table.
India, which is leading the group stage, has taken 46 wickets. Third placed New Zealand have taken 44 wickets and Australia 41. These are the top four teams in terms of number of wickets taken.
5. UNBEATEN INDIA
India is the only unbeaten team in the tournament. Interestingly, India has fielded first in all its matches. Further, India has won on each occasion handsomely.
However, it will be interesting to see how India performs when it bats first in the upcoming games.
