Former Indian fast bowler and head selector Chetan Sharma believes Team India and Australia will face off in the final of the current 2023 World Cup on November 19 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.
Both teams have exhibited performances throughout the tournament securing their spots in the semifinals. The Men in Blue have remained undefeated far leading the table with a 16 points, from eight games.
Australia had lost their opening two matches in the competition, but they have since won six straight, including a thrilling victory against Afghanistan by three wickets, in which Glenn Maxwell produced what may be the greatest ODI innings of all time (201*).
Pat Cummins and company have the advantage because they are expected to play the Proteas and have a chance to get to the championship game.
Chetan Sharma reveals India’s potential semifinal opponent
Chetan Sharma also predicted that New Zealand will be the front-runner to secure the fourth semifinal position while speaking to India TV. With one league match remaining, the Kiwis are tied with Pakistan on points. Their next match is against Sri Lanka on Thursday in Bengaluru.
The former bowler believes that because Kane Williamson and company have a higher net run rate than Pakistan, they would have an edge over Sri Lanka. In response, he said:
“According to me, New Zealand are the favourites to be the fourth semifinalists. They only have to beat Sri Lanka which they might do easily with the kind of cricket they have played in this World Cup so far. If they win, net run-rate will come into the equation for Pakistan and it won’t be easy for them to win big against England.”
Chetan Sharma
In order to maintain their hopes of qualifying for the Champions Trophy in 2023, England may also need to defeat Pakistan.
