The ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 is just three months away from getting underway. The tourney will go all guns blazing from October 5 (Thursday) as the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 finalists, namely England and New Zealand, will lock horns with each other at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.
Interestingly, the ICC Cricket World Cup will be held entirely in India for the first time. The Men in Blue will begin their campaign against Australia on October 8 (Sunday) at Chepauk Stadium in Chennai. On the other hand, the highly-anticipated cricket match between India and Pakistan will kick off in Ahmedabad on October 15.
England’s national cricket team emerged as the winners of the previous edition of the World Cup. The Three Lions beat the Black Caps based on the ridiculous boundary count rule to get hold of their maiden ODI World Cup. It will be interesting to see which team braves the challenges and comes out on top.
Virender Sehwag predicts four semi-finalists of ICC CWC 2023
Meanwhile, former Indian opening batter, Virender Sehwag has predicted possible semi-finalists of the upcoming marquee event. According to the Nawab of Najafgarh, the likes of India, Pakistan, England and Australia will make it to the semis of the prestigious tournament.
Team India and Pakistan are generally known to raise their bar and perform well in sub-continent conditions. On the other side of the coin, players from England and Australia come to India to spice it up in the cash-rich Indian Premier League. They have showcased their mettle in performing well, courtesy of good tracks.
On the downside, their frailties will get exposed once the ball starts to turn. According to Virender Sehwag, a team from the sub-continent are the favourites to make a bid for the trophy. Team India last won the ICC ODI World Cup in 2011, under the tutelage of Mahendra Singh Dhoni. Overall, India have won two ODI World Cups (1983, 2011).
Team India led by Rohit Sharma will be looking to end the ICC title drought this time around. The last time they won the ICC title was back in 2013, when the Men in Blue trounced England in the English conditions to win the Champions Trophy.