Both sides would love early points and Afghanistan’s spin threat may once again dictate Bangladesh’s batting template.

South Africa skipper Temba Bavuma admitted Friday that his country's reputation for being World Cup "chokers" will only be shed when they capture an elusive maiden international trophy.

Now the Dutch, the only second-tier Associate team at the 10-nation World Cup, must bounce back against the Kiwis who started their campaign with a thumping nine-wicket rout of champions England on Thursday.

"Theekshana is still recovering from a hamstring injury, so he won't be available for this game," Silverwood told reporters on Friday.

On Friday, he became the toast of Pakistan's batting with an innings-reviving 52-ball 68 studded with a six and nine boundaries, guiding Pakistan to a fighting 282 after a precarious 38-3

The 20-year-old, dubbed "Baby Malinga" for his copycat style of compatriot Lasith Malinga's unorthodox action, has only played 10 ODIs and one T20 but is tipped to be amongst the tournament's breakout stars.

Pakistan beat the Netherlands by 81 runs to open their World Cup campaign in Hyderabad on Friday, after half-centuries from Saud Shakeel and Mohammad Rizwan.

Four years back, the country’s top all-rounder, Shakib Al Hasan, was engulfed by the type of pressure that all athletes feel at least once in their careers: the pressure of not performing on the field. 

"With the fading interest in 50-over games, it will definitely help that youngsters get to experience a World Cup game and players get to play in front of a full stadium."

Faced with an achievable target of 287, the Dutch looked on course for a stunning win in Hyderabad at one stage.

The Argentine Football Association (AFA) extended its best wishes to the Bangladesh cricket team on Friday on the eve of their opening match of the ICC ODI World Cup 2023 against Afghanistan.

The first cricket World Cup of the 2020s has to be the one where Bangladesh cricket finally reaches maturity.

Afghanistan have won just one of their 15 World Cup matches since they joined the tournament in 2015 -- a one-wicket thriller against Scotland in Dunedin eight years ago.

Dutch all-rounder Bas de Leede took four wickets as Pakistan were bowled out for 286 in the World Cup on Friday, derailing an innings which featured half-centuries from Saud Shakeel and Mohammad Rizwan.

Bangladesh coach Chandika Hathurusingha was in no mood to be drawn into controversies ahead of the team’s opening match against Afghanistan on Saturday, especially after the build-up to the mega event had been dogged with controversies more than on-field performances.

India's World Cup plans have been hit by an unwanted issue on the eve of their opener against Australia on Sunday as star batsman Shubman Gill has been diagnosed with dengue. 

Surprise qualifiers Netherlands have won the toss and asked Pakistan to bat first in the second match of the ICC ODI Cricket World Cup in Hyderabad on Friday.

A nine-wicket thumping is tough to digest but England captain Jos Buttler does not want to see his team mates wallow in self-pity after a horrible start to their World Cup title defence against New Zealand on Thursday.

Indian legend Sachin Tendulkar has predicted the four teams he believes will reach the semi-finals of the Cricket World Cup 2023 in India.

New Zealand batsman Rachin Ravindra on Thursday said hitting a match-winning century in the World Cup opener was inspired by watching footage of India cricket icons Sachin Tendulkar and Rahul Dravid after whom he is named.