AB de Villiers, the former South African cricketer, has named Pakistan as one of the semi-finalists in the upcoming ICC Cricket World Cup 2023.
AB de Villiers expressed his views on the teams that he believes will reach the last-four stage in a recent YouTube video. He stated that hosts India will win their third World Cup title.
“Definitely, India I think they will win again there,” he said. “It’s going to be a Fairy Tale World Cup. India, England, Australia will be the three big teams in the semi-finals. Then I’d go with South Africa, although Pakistan also have a good chance.”
Furthermore, de Villiers mentioned that the tournament will feature good pitches.
“I have gone to the semi-finals of the World Cup with three non-subcontinent teams, which is very risky. But I will stick to it because I think the wickets will be good. I do not think that bad wickets will be seen during the tournament in the World Cup,” AB de Villiers said.
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De Villiers predicted an India-England final but expressed his desire to see his own country, South Africa, in the ultimate fixture as well.
“England and India will be in the final. If they face each other in the final. So I think it would be awesome. Although I really wish my South African boys were there. I don’t think it will be easy for them, but never say no. This is the World Cup where South Africa has the least expectations, and it could very well be for them. They are a very talented and underrated team,” he said.
The ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 is scheduled to begin on October 5. The opening match will be a repeat of the 2019 final as defending champions England take on New Zealand in Ahmedabad.