'Wait's Over' ICC World Cup Ready To Kick-Off (image-instagram/bcci_tv_india)

The long-wait is over, as the most anticipated tournament in cricket is ready to kick-off today at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad. Keeping aside all the delays, schedule changes and ticketing issues, the defending champions England will face last edition’s runners up New Zealand in the opening clash. Apparently, the tournament will commence without an opening ceremony.

A day before the match, a ‘Captain’s Day’ event was held at the Nehru Stadium involving all the 10 team captains interactions. During the interaction, the captain of the reigning champions, Jos Buttler was asked about the upcoming match to put some “heat” on him which he dismissed quickly and replied “I don’t see us as defending champions. We are very much in the same boat now as everybody sat here on the eve of tournament trying to win it”.

England and New Zealand will once again reignite their rivalry and will lock-horns in Narendra Modi Stadium. England will put in their complete effort to defend their title on the pitch today. And it is more likely for the Butler’s boys to begin the World Cup with victory, as per the prediction report of CricTracker. Out of 95 ODIs, England has won 45 times against New Zealand while Kiwis won it 44 times.

While for ‘Indian’ fans, the feeling of ‘World Cup coming home’ has kicked in. India after claiming its eighth Asia Cup title is now all confident and strong, after all they have all personnel they have hoped for. But it will not be easy for them to win the title without defeating the defending champions as England is known for their firepower in batting and bowling. And as usual, they may put up some monstrous scores in the tournament. And the biggest challenge for India that awaits will be traipsing around the country and quick adjustments to new opposition and conditions within the short time limits.

The opening match of the Cricket World Cup will begin at 2pm, IST with the toss taking place at 1:30 pm, IST.