The Indian cricket team celebrated Diwali on Saturday in Bengaluru, unwinding together before their final World Cup group match against Netherlands. Players including captain Rohit Sharma, KL Rahul, and Mohammed Shami marked the auspicious festival by wearing traditional outfits, enjoying food, and spending time with family. Rohit and others shared photos of the celebrations on social media. The team will look to continue their unbeaten run when they face the Dutch today.

The semifinalists for the ICC Men's ODI World Cup 2023 are confirmed as India, New Zealand, Australia and South Africa. India topped Group 1 and will face New Zealand in Semi-Final 1 at Mumbai's Wankhede Stadium on November 15th. South Africa finished second and play third-placed Australia at Eden Gardens on November 16th. This repeats the 2015 World Cup's semi-final lineup. Pakistan crashed out after losing to England, whose decision to bat first dashed Pakistan's slim hopes of improving their NRR to qualify. Chasing 338 in 6.4 overs was near-impossible, and losing early wickets sealed Pakistan's fate. The victors of the semis will contest the final, with India and New Zealand battling first for a spot.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has swiftly suspended Sri Lanka Cricket's membership, citing serious breaches in autonomy and resistance to government interference in cricket governance. The ICC Board made this decision, with the conditions of the suspension to be determined later. Sri Lanka's sports minister, Roshan Ranasinghe, had recently accused the cricket board of widespread corruption, leading to the sacking of elected members. Ranasinghe appointed an interim committee, chaired by former skipper Arjuna Ranatunga, to address corruption and enhance accountability. The appeal court temporarily restored the original board, and Ranasinghe stands firm on cleaning up the system.          

New Zealand and Sri Lanka face off in Bengaluru but rain could wash out the match. The city has seen heavy downpour and more is forecast. A washout would dent NZ's bid to cement a semi-final spot and give Pakistan hope. Pakistan is on 8 points, the same as NZ, chasing the top four. A washout would mean NZ remains on 8 while Pakistan could go to 10 by beating England. For NZ, a win boosts their bid while a washout leaves the door open for Pakistan or Afghanistan. Sri Lanka's chances to make the top eight would also suffer if rain forces a no result. But the bigger implications are for NZ and Pakistan's semi-final hopes.

Indian cricket star Mohammed Shami slammed former Pakistan player Hasan Raza's allegations that Indian bowlers get different balls and manipulate DRS. Shami wrote on Instagram: "Please have some shame. Focus on the game rather than talking rubbish. Enjoy and chill; this is the ICC Cricket World Cup, not your local tournament. Wasim Akram explained, but still, hahahaha. You do not trust your own Wasim Akram. This person is busy praising himself." Shami told Raza to focus on the game and enjoy others' success rather than "talking rubbish." He said Wasim Akram already explained but Raza continues despite Akram's advice. Shami slammed Raza for not trusting Akram and instead praising himself amid the World Cup.

India's Shubman Gill has ended Pakistan captain Babar Azam's over two-year reign as the number one ranked ODI batter in the latest ICC rankings. Gill's solid start at the Cricket World Cup 2023 has propelled him to the top spot, making him the fourth Indian after Tendulkar, Dhoni and Kohli to be ranked number one. Gill has amassed 219 runs in the tournament so far, while Babar has totaled 282. Gill now has 830 rating points to Babar's 824. The 23-year-old Gill displaced Babar after narrowing the gap over recent months. His ascent represents a changing of the guard at the pinnacle of ODI batting.

Former cricketer Sunil Gavaskar expressed dismay during a Cricket World Cup 2023 match as an Indian flag bearing a company's name was defaced, violating protocol. Gavaskar, wanting to question player Shreyas Iyer, was distracted by the incident. He urged authorities to confiscate such flags and warned against defacing the national emblem. Meanwhile, on the India vs South Africa match on Sunday, India dominated, with Virat Kohli's record-equalling century and Ravindra Jadeja's five-wicket haul, securing a commanding 243-run victory. The incident highlighted the need for stricter flag display regulations during international sports events.

In a historic innings, Glenn Maxwell shattered multiple records during Australia's nail-biting victory over Afghanistan. Maxwell's unbeaten 201* became Australia's first-ever ODI double century and marked the highest individual score in an ODI run-chase, surpassing Fakhar Zaman's 193. Additionally, his remarkable feat included the second-fastest double ton in ODI history, achieved in just 128 balls, trailing only Ishan Kishan (126 balls). Maxwell's aggressive play also propelled him to become the third-highest World Cup six-hitter with 33 sixes. He also become the highest score ever achieved by a non-opener in ODI cricket history. His incredible performance secured Australia's spot in the World Cup semi-finals, leaving a lasting mark on cricket history.

In a nail-biting encounter at Mumbai's Wankhede Stadium, Australia's Glenn Maxwell staged a remarkable fightback, smashing a record-breaking 201* to secure a thrilling victory against Afghanistan in the Cricket World Cup 2023. Maxwell's heroics came after Afghanistan's Ibrahim Zadran's historic century set a challenging target of 292. Despite early setbacks, Maxwell's partnership with Marnus Labuschagne proved decisive. Australia's win, taking them to 12 points, guarantees them a spot in the semifinals, while Afghanistan remains in contention, banking on future matches for a spot in the semis.          

Former India player Mohammad Kaif blasted Bangladesh captain Shakib Al Hasan, contrasting his 'Time Out' appeal against Sri Lanka's Angelo Mathews with Rohit Sharma withdrawing a run-out appeal earlier this year against Sri Lanka's Shanaka. Kaif had praised Rohit for letting his 'heart' decide what was right. In a re-shared post, Kaif said Shakib should learn from Rohit. Though legal, dismissing a non-striker backing up is considered unsporting by many. While Shakib took an uncompromising approach, Kaif and others say Rohit embodied cricket's spirit versus exploiting rules. Sri Lanka veteran Angelo Mathews was controversially dismissed 'Timed Out' before his knock against Bangladesh on Monday, becoming the first player ever dismissed this way internationally. Mathews refused to shake hands after the match, calling Shakib Al Hasan "disgraceful."