World Cup Opening Ceremony 2019 Highlights: Vivid World Cup Party Concludes After England's 60-Second Challenge Win
Cricket World Cup Opening Ceremony: The World Cup 2019 kick-started tonight with a opening ceremony at The Mall, in front of Buckingham Palace in central London.
The opening party was hosted by former England all-rounder Andrew Flintoff. He was accompanied by India's Shibani Dandekar. The event started with the introduction of captains of all 10 participating teams, followed by 60-second challenge. Former India coach Anil Kumble and Bollywood star Farhan Akhtar represented India in the challenge but they only scored 19 runs, the lowest among all teams. Hosts England scored 74 runs, four more than Australia's 69, and won the challenge. The opening party also included two melodious performances. After the challenge, former Australia skipper Michael Clarke, who lifted the trophy in 2015, brought the glittering trophy on the stage. The event ended with the ICC World Cup 2019 theme song. The matches will kick-start tomorrow when England take on South Africa in the tournament opener at the Oval, London. England will be the favourites to win the match but in a tournament like World Cup, anything can happen.
World Cup 2019 Opening Ceremony Highlights, straight from The Mall, in front of Buckingham Palace in central London
- 22:23 (IST)Trophy presented before the crowdMichael Clarke who lifted the trophy as Australia's captain four years back now brings the trophy on the stage. Calrke calls his World Cup victory "very special". He thinks five or six teams have great chance at this year's tournament, including hosts England.
- 22:16 (IST)
- 21:48 (IST)Teams for 60-challengeThe 60-challenge teams are being introduced. West Indies are represented by Viv Richards and Yohan Blake. Brett Lee take part for Australia. Anil Kumble and Farhan Akhtar form the Indian team. Kevin Petersen will play for England. Malala YousafZai is part of Pakistani team.
- 21:43 (IST)60-second challenge.Andrew Flintoff is surrounded by the crowd. Vivian Richards and Yohan Blake are gearing up for a 60-second challenge. Viv Richards says, "No one rule out the Windies team from the big event".
Look who's arrived at the #CWC19 Opening Party pic.twitter.com/QJAoUEWVfl
— Cricket World Cup (@cricketworldcup) May 29, 2019 - 21:35 (IST)Captains welcomed on stageTeam captain are being called on the stage one by one. First one to come is Afghanistan skipper. He is followed by Sri Lanka, West Indies, Bangladesh, Pakistan and Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, and at last Indian skipper Virat Kohli and the last to arrive at the stage is English skipper Eoin Morgan.
- 21:07 (IST)Fans have started gatheringThe fans have started gathering near the venue which will host the gala event. Remember we yet don't know what the event has in store for us but ICC has promised a big surprise and a experience to cherish life long How excited are you!
The fans are readying themselves for the start of the #CWC19 Opening Party! pic.twitter.com/cQ8gOYAYXb
— Cricket World Cup (@cricketworldcup) May 29, 2019 - 20:45 (IST)Countdown begins...
hour until the #CWC19 Opening Party starts!
— Cricket World Cup (@cricketworldcup) May 29, 2019
Make sure you tune in! pic.twitter.com/SN9pAMSDm1 - 20:13 (IST)World Cup 2019 kick-starts tonightWelcome to the live updates of World Cup 2019 opening ceremony live from London, England. 10 teams will face each other at least once in a round-robin format to win the coveted trophy. The first match of the tournament will be played tomorrow but the the mega event kick-offs tonight with a spectacular opening party.
England Cricket Team
South Africa Cricket Team
India Cricket Team
Australia Cricket Team