Former South African cricket legend, Dale Steyn, envisions India and England locking horns in the final showdown of the 2023 ODI World Cup. His insights are based on the current form and prowess of these cricketing giants.
India: The Formidable Contender
Steyn acknowledges India as one of the favourites. The team boasts the top spot in the ODI rankings, with a formidable batting lineup led by Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and KL Rahul. Their bowling attack, spearheaded by Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami, makes them a formidable force.
England: Defending Champions
The defending champions, England, earn Steyn’s nod as well. Their well-balanced team showcases a deep batting lineup with Jonny Bairstow, Jos Buttler, and Ben Stokes. The bowling department is equally potent, featuring Jofra Archer, Mark Wood, and Chris Woakes as key strike bowlers.
South Africa’s Aspirations
While Steyn’s heart longs for South Africa’s success, he acknowledges that India and England possess the upper hand in reaching the final due to their experience and squad depth.
Other Contenders on the Horizon
Apart from India and England, several other teams could make their way to the 2023 ODI World Cup final such as:
- Australia: The Perennial Contenders
Australia, a two-time ODI World Cup champion, remains a perennial contender with a robust batting lineup featuring David Warner, Aaron Finch, and Steve Smith. Their bowling attack, led by Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, and Pat Cummins, is equally impressive.
- New Zealand: The World Test Champions
The current World Test champion, New Zealand, is a formidable ODI team. With Kane Williamson, Martin Guptill, and Ross Taylor anchoring the batting, and a strong bowling contingent comprising Trent Boult, Matt Henry, and Tim Southee, they pose a significant threat.
- Pakistan: The Unpredictable Force
Pakistan, known for its unpredictability, can defeat the best on any given day. Led by Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, and Fakhar Zaman in batting and supported by bowlers like Shaheen Shah Afridi, Hasan Ali, and Haris Rauf, they have the potential to surprise.
2023 ODI World Cup Set to Deliver Unpredictable Cricket Excitement
The 2023 ODI World Cup, scheduled from October 5 to November 19 in India, promises intense cricketing action. With a round-robin format, the top four teams will advance to the semi-finals, making the journey to the final a thrilling and unpredictable ride.
