Dale Steyn shared his predictions on who would end up as the finalists for the 2023 ICC ODI World Cup. (Image: X)
The former South African pacer, shared his predictions on who would end up in the finals of the 2023 ICC ODI World Cup.
The highly anticipated Cricket World Cup is almost upon us and experts have started pitching in their predictions on who could make it to the finals of this edition of the World Cup which is also being hosted in India.
READ MORE: Asian Games 2023: Medal Tally, Schedule, Results, Date, Venues & More
South Africa’s legendary all-format pacer, Dale Steyn spoke to Star Sports where he revealed his internal dilemma on his predictions for who ends up as the World Cup finalists. Steyn said, “It’s a tough one, you know my heart wants to go with South Africa making the final. I would love them to make the final, their team, a lot of their players play in the IPL, they play in India regularly.”
He also said that South Africa has their fair share of threats including the likes of David Miller and Henrich Klaasen who have been finding their groove with the bat and in bowling KG Rabada who has been regularly bowling in India as well. But he shared his hesitation in backing South Africa, he said, “Speaking to Star Sports, former Indian fast-bowler, Irfan Pathan shared his predictions on who could be the top 2 sides to make the finals. He appreciated the long batting lineup of the England side but he believes that the two sides that could meet in the finals are India and South Africa.
READ MORE: Meet Sift Kaur Samra: India’s Record-Breaking Gold Medalist at Asian Games 2023 – News18
On South Africa’s chances, Pathan said, “I have a hunch in my heart which says that South Africa will do great in this World Cup. So, for me, it’s India and South Africa. See, South Africa has a great chance to do well in this World Cup because they have arrived here with a strong team.” I feel like the favourites would probably be India, I feel like India is going to be one of the finalists and probably England. But my heart wants to say South Africa and India but I am kind of leaning towards India and England.”
South Africa will be without the services of Anrich Nortje who has missed out the World Cup yet again through injury. The pace attack will miss out on his pace as he and Rabada have gone on to form a lethal partnership across all three formats.
READ MORE: Seven Sprinters Withdraw From Delhi Meet to Avoid NADA Testing, Says Report – News18
South Africa have been heartbroken in World Cups and are yet to win their maiden title. But they will look to use the experience of their players who have also taken part in the Indian Premier League (IPL) and will look to put in a decent performance and make it through all the way and secure their first title.