As cricket enthusiasts eagerly await the 2023 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup, former South African cricketer AB de Villiers has provided his predictions for both the tournament’s semifinalists and eventual winner. The highly anticipated World Cup is scheduled to take place in India from October 5 to November 19.
In a recent video on his YouTube channel, de Villiers shared his thoughts on the teams that he believes will make it to the semifinals and eventually clinch the coveted title.
“Definitely, India I think they will win again there. It’s going to be a Fairy Tale World Cup. India, England, Australia will be the three big teams in the semi-finals. Then I’d go with South Africa, although Pakistan also have a good chance,” De Villiers stated.
Despite the risk associated with his semifinal predictions, which include three non-subcontinent teams, de Villiers expressed confidence in the quality of pitches. He suggested that the tournament is likely to feature good wickets, minimizing the impact of potentially challenging surfaces.
“I have gone to the semi-finals of the World Cup with three non-subcontinent teams, which is very risky. But I will stick to it because I think the wickets will be good. I do not think that bad wickets will be seen during the tournament in the World Cup,” he added.
While envisioning an ideal final between India and England, de Villiers also wished for his home nation, South Africa, to make it to the ultimate match of the 2023 World Cup.
“England and India will be in the final. If they face each other in the finals. So I think it would be awesome. Although I really wish my South African boys were there. I don’t think it will be easy for him, but never say no. This is the World Cup in which South Africa have the least expectations, and it could well be for them. They are very talented and very underrated team,” de Villiers commented. (Cricket Times)
