5 best international matches to look forward to in August 2024 ft. IND-SL 1st ODI
Another jam-packed month of cricketing action awaits us in August and beyond the T20 leagues around the world, we have some fascinating international matches to look forward to.
India are currently in Sri Lanka playing a three-match T20I series with as many ODIs will follow. Meanwhile, England thrashed West Indies in a three-match Test series and will be gearing up for another Test series against Sri Lanka in late August.
The international calendar is packed with all three formats of the game being played out evenly. Every match has the potential to produce thrillers and each game has its own value in the ICC ODI Super League and the ICC Test Championship, respectively.
Having said that, let us have a look at five matches to look out for in August 2024:
# 5. Pakistan vs Bangladesh 1st Test
Date and Time: August 21, 2024, at 10:30 AM IST
The opening Test between Pakistan and Sri Lanka promises to be a hard fought one, with both teams going through a difficult spell in the longest format. Two teams struggling for form going head-to-head can produce entertaining cricket.
Pakistan is a country known to produce flat wickets, but their fast bowling unit, led by Shaheen Afridi, knows the conditions well and which line and lengths to bowl.
The Bangladesh batting lineup has ample experience, and they will be eager to register their first Test win against Pakistan. This will certainly be one of the matches to watch out for in August.
# 4. West Indies vs South Africa 1st Test
Date and Time: August 7, 2024, at 7:30 PM IST
The two-match Test series between West Indies and South Africa is slated to commence from August 7. Neither team has hit top form in the longest format in their recent outings.
West Indies recently came off a 3-0 drubbing against England, but will be proud of their victory in Australia. A special spell of fast bowling from Shamar Joseph helped them win a Test in Australia after 27 years. They were brilliant in patches during the tour of England, but it wasn't reflected in the results.
Meanwhile, South Africa will be hoping to field their strongest XI available and try to climb up in the ICC Test Championship standings. The first match of a two-match series has huge significance and a win will ensure that they can't lose the series.
# 3. England vs Sri Lanka 1st Test
Date and Time: August 21, 2024, at 3:30 PM IST
After a month of serious T20 action, it's time for the cricketing purists to see what they want. Another Test series slated to commence in August is a three-match series between England and Sri Lanka.
England will start as favourites, but their brand of cricket could bring Sri Lanka into the equation. Sri Lanka are touring England after a long time and are going through a rough time, especially in this format.
The Lankans haven't performed well in away conditions in recent times and will have their task cut out in seam-friendly conditions. However, they have some top quality batters who can challenge any bowling attack on their day. Sri Lanka have inflicted major upsets in the past and will be hoping for the same in the opening match of the series.
# 2. West Indies vs South Africa 1st T20I
Date and Time: August 24, 2024, at 12:30 AM IST
The first encounter of the three-match series between West Indies and South Africa will be one of the most high-profile T20I games of the month. The shortest format always brings the best out of West Indies, but it wasn't the case in the recently concluded T20 World Cup.
They remained undefeated in the group stage before two losses in the super eights forced them out of reckoning for the semi-final. However, they have a wide range of players who can turn the game with their strokeplay. Meanwhile, South Africa were the runners up in the T20 World Cup losing out very narrowly in the final against India.
They remained undefeated coming into the final, but just when it mattered the most, they couldn't quite deliver the goods and failed to chase 30 off the final 30 deliveries. They will be gearing up to put that defeat to bed and start a new chapter in their T20 history.
# 1. Sri Lanka vs India 1st ODI
Date and Time: August 2, 2024, at 2:30 PM IST
The ODI series between India and Sri Lanka promises to be a high profile one, with the return of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. While Rohit returns as the skipper as India gears up for the ICC Champions Trophy next year, Virat will look to get into his groove, which made him the top run-getter in the 2023 ODI World Cup.
Most of the regular Indian stars will be back barring Jasprit Bumrah while Sri Lanka will also field their strongest XI hoping to register a historic series victory against the Men In Blue. The return of some of the big names of Indian cricket makes the opening ODI encounter one of the most hyped games of the month.