The 2023 edition of the ODI World Cup 2023 is all set to kickstart in a day’s time. Ahead of the first match of World Cup 2023, star Indian pacer Zaheer Khan, who played a big role in India’s triumph in the 2011 World Cup, has extended his support to Temba Bavuma’s South Africa to surprise many with its performance on the field.
As per the former left-arm pacer, the World Number 4 ODI side will be the team to watch out for in the marquee tournament, which will get underway on October 5 in Ahmedabad, with a match between England and New Zealand.
Zaheer Khan Made A Big Prediction Ahead Of World Cup 2023
Meanwhile, speaking at an event organized in Mumbai, Zaheer Khan said that while everyone is talking about India, Pakistan, England, and Australia being the favorites for the title, the South African team will be a dark horse as they have the right composition of players in their squad that will help them go deep in the tournament. He said:
“Everyone seems to be talking about India, England, Australia, Pakistan and New Zealand as contenders, but I feel South Africa will be the dark horse at the World Cup this year,”
“South Africa’s history when it comes to ICC tournaments isn’t great,” said Khan. “They have this tag of ‘chokers’ also which goes with them. But somehow, looking at the way they played against Australia recently, I think they could be the dark horse. If certain players from their squad come good in the Indian conditions, they will definitely be a force to reckon with.”
Like the World Cup 2019, all teams will play the other nine teams in the tournament once. The ones with the most points will then compete in the semi-finals.
“The format is such that if you manage to be in the top four at the end of the league stage, you only need two more days of good cricket to win the title,” said Khan. “And in such a situation, anyone can beat anyone. How each team approaches the league stage and builds momentum will be crucial.”
Apart from South Africa, Zaheer Khan reckoned India, England, and Australia will remain consistent and are likely to reach the semi-finals.
