The ICC Cricket World Cup is almost around the corner. After a four-year hiatus, the biggest tournament in international cricket returns for the 13th time.
Teams are experimenting to find their finest combinations. A number of fan favourites will go to the host country, India, to compete for the championship.
At least 6-7 countries will be vying for the championship among all the participating nations. As a result, this event, as usual, should be a highly entertaining competition. However, if you look at the odds for this event, you can differentiate the hot favourites from the marginal favourites.
Let’s see which 4 teams are favourites to qualify for the semifinals of the 2023 Cricket World Cup.
Experts Pick
AB de Villiers
As cricket fans await the 2023 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup, former South African player AB de Villiers has predicted the tournament’s semifinalists and eventual winner.
In a recent video posted to his YouTube account, de Villiers discussed the teams he feels will advance to the semifinals and ultimately win the coveted trophy.
“Indeed, I believe India will win there again. It will be a Fairy Tale World Cup. The three major teams in the semi-finals will be India, England, and Australia. Then I’d back South Africa, although Pakistan has a fair chance,” De Villiers said.
Despite the danger connected with his semifinal predictions, which feature three teams from outside the subcontinent, de Villiers showed confidence in the pitch quality. He predicted that the competition would have decent wickets, reducing the impact of potentially difficult surfaces.
Eoin Morgan
In a recent interview, former England captain and noted cricket tactician Eoin Morgan offered his predictions for the four teams he feels will reach the tournament’s semifinals. Morgan’s thoughts have weight due to his extensive experience as a player and leader, making his forecasts a hot issue among cricket fans.
Morgan’s expected semifinalists include the 2011 World Cup champions and perennial cricketing powerhouse, India. The defending champions, England, figure strongly in his predictions.
Moreover, he remarked that Australia’s pedigree in ICC competitions speaks for itself as a five-time World Cup winner. Babar Azam’s men finished runners-up in the 2022 T20 World Cup, rounding out Morgan’s semifinal predictions.
Aakash Chopra
In the most recent development, former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra has stated his forecast for which four teams will compete in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 semifinals.
“India is the favourite because it is taking place at home; they will undoubtedly be favourites, and if you look at the last three World Cups, Australia won in Australia, England won in England, and India won in India before that,” Aakash Chopra remarked.
Chopra believes Pakistan has a very strong one-day international team, led by Babar Azam, and will be one of the four semi-finalists in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023.
Glenn McGrath
Glenn McGrath, Australia’s fast bowling icon, believes India is among the favourites because they are playing in their home conditions. “You wouldn’t be surprised if I put Australia in the top four. Obviously, India is playing in its own environment. England is playing excellent cricket, and Pakistan is also doing well. So, they’re the greatest four.”
Also Read | What Happens if it Rains in the World Cup 2023 Final?
Team to Look Out for in the CWC 2023 Semifinals
India
The 2023 Cricket World Cup will be held in India, giving the Men in Blue a home advantage. According to their performance in the 2011 CWC, India is an extremely dangerous and fearsome team at home. This time, the country will be the sole host of the competition, and with the largest fan base, they will be among the favourites to qualify for the semifinals and also win the 2023 edition.
New Zealand
The Kiwis are also highly consistent in ICC competition. They have never won a World Cup, but if you look at the records, you will notice that they frequently appear in the semifinals of both the ODI and T20 World Cups.
They have reached the semi-finals of all four previous ODI World Cups, and it will not be surprising if they do so again. They will, however, be missing their pacer, Tim Southee, which will be a huge setback for the Black Caps. But Kiwis can be our second semifinalist.
England
Champions of the previous World Cup, England will have the strongest and most balanced side. They will head to India, hoping to defend the crown they won four years ago on their home turf. It will not be an easy assignment away from home, but with their squad depth and key game-changers, the English people have every reason to hope for another semifinal or an ICC title.
Australia
There is no greater side than Australia when it comes to ICC events. The five-time world champions may not be as intimidating as they were in the early 2000s, but the mighty Australians will always be avoided on a cricket pitch. The Australians have a well-established combination of players and might pose a significant danger to the other teams.
The ICC World Cup 2023 will begin on October 5 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. In the tournament opener in Ahmedabad, England will meet New Zealand and the summit clash will take place on November 19 at the same location. Check out all the venues for the tournament.
