AB de Villiers Makes a Massive Prediction Ahead Of The 2023 ODI World Cup
As cricket enthusiasts gear up for the highly anticipated ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023, former South Africa wicketkeeper-batsman AB de Villiers has revealed his top four teams for the upcoming World Cup later this year in India. Known for his fearless batting during his playing days, De Villiers’ prediction about semi-finalists for the marquee event captivates to catching the attention of fans and experts. With his unparalleled expertise and cricketing prowess, De Villiers meticulously handpicked the teams that are expected to set the stage ablaze with their exceptional skills, determination, and competitiveness.
In an engaging session on his YouTube channel, De Villiers disclosed his preferences, selecting a trio of non-subcontinental teams – namely Australia, England, and South Africa – as his top contenders to secure a spot in the tournament’s final four.
“I’ve gone with three non-sub-continent teams there, which is very risky. But I am going to stick to it because I think the wickets will be good. I don’t think the World Cup is going to see bad wickets during the duration of the tournament,” De Villiers said on his YouTube Channel.
AB de Villiers has left out Pakistan and picked India, Australia, England, and his home team South Africa as the four semi-finalists. He said South Africa would be underdogs, and that could be a blessing in disguise for them.
“Our boys [South African squad] will be there, we’ve got a very good team, a bit inexperienced, but a very good team. I know Rob Walter, our white ball coach, knows exactly what he is doing,” he added.
The team, known as the Proteas, is renowned for their talent in One-Day Internationals (ODIs) but has yet to taste victory in the prestigious ODI World Cup. South Africa has all the potential to win the World Cup, but they always choked in the crucial stages. With a talented squad and key players in prime form, the South African team aims to claim their maiden ODI World Cup title and make a mark in the cricketing world. Temba Bavuma will lead the South African side in the upcoming tournament. Bavuma‘s leadership skills and on-field experience have earned him the honor of captaining the national team.
India: Top Contender to Lift the Coveted Trophy:
Not only did AB de Villiers predict the four semi-finalists, but he also picked two finalists, India and England, backing Rohit Sharma‘s Men in Blue to lift the coveted trophy at home just like the 2011 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 has the least expectations, and it could well be for them. They are a very talented and very underrated team,” he added.
ODI World Cup 2023 will be a golden chance for the Indian team to end their ICC title drought, as this time, the entire tournament will be played in India only. Back in 2011, Team India was the hosts when they lifted the World Cup trophy under the captaincy of MS Dhoni. However, being the hosts also puts added pressure on the team.
The ICC World Cup 2023 is slated to take place in India during October and November, featuring a total of 10 participating teams. The tournament is set to kick off on October 5, with the final match scheduled for November 19.
