ODI Cricket Hits 200-Match Milestone in World Cup 2023 Clash between South Africa and Afghanistan

In the historic confrontation between South Africa and Afghanistan during the World Cup 2023 on November 10th, a remarkable milestone was achieved in the realm of One Day International (ODI) cricket. The clash unfolded at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, marking the 42nd match of the tournament and giving rise to a noteworthy accomplishment in the 50-over cricket format.

Despite a perceived decline in the number of ODI matches over the past decade, the year 2023 has witnessed a substantial resurgence in the playing of ODI games. Notably, 2023 stands out as the first time in the 52-year history of the 50-over format that a total of 200 ODI matches have been played.

A sturdy sixth-wicket partnership helped South Africa overcome the Afghanistan spin challenge 👊#CWC23 | #SAvAFG 📝: https://t.co/TEFv56Q6vv pic.twitter.com/Yh1UljN6HJ

— ICC Cricket World Cup (@cricketworldcup) November 10, 2023

The South Africa vs Afghanistan encounter became the 200th ODI of the year, surpassing the second-highest count of 191 ODIs played in 2007.

Sri Lanka has emerged as the most prolific participant in ODI matches in 2023, engaging in 31 games, while India and New Zealand share the second position with 29 matches each thus far. Conversely, Canada and Jersey have been involved in the fewest ODIs, totaling five in the year 2023.

The inception of ODI cricket dates back 52 years when Australia and England competed in the first-ever ODI match on January 5, 1971, at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. Since then, a total of 4699 matches have been played in this format, with the South Africa vs Afghanistan game being the latest addition.

In the showdown against Afghanistan, the Proteas encountered a brief challenge in their pursuit of the 245-run target. The Afghanistan spinners posed difficulties for South Africa in the latter part of the innings during their fourth chase of the tournament. Nevertheless, Rassie van der Dussen and Andile Phehlukwayo exhibited resilience, guiding the Proteas to victory within 47.3 overs with five wickets in hand.

South Africa has secured victories in seven out of their nine league stage matches, with their only defeats occurring against India and Netherlands. Their next challenge awaits in the semifinals against arch-rivals Australia.