Former Indian top-order batsman Virender Sehwag has recently stated in an interview that he believes Pakistan will secure a spot among the four teams reaching the semi-finals of the forthcoming International Cricket Council (ICC) World Cup.
The tournament, slated for October to November, is scheduled in India. Sehwag highlighted the four teams that he perceives to possess distinctive gameplay conducive to excelling in the upcoming competition. He confidently asserted that India, Pakistan, Australia, and England would be the teams advancing to the prestigious ICC ODI World Cup 2023 semi-finals.
Elaborating his choices, Sehwag emphasized the unconventional style of play exhibited by Australia and England, stating that their mastery of non-conventional shots sets them apart. He further noted that these two teams, being foreign to the subcontinent conditions, can perform exceptionally well in such environments.
Adding to the sentiment, former Australian pacer Glenn McGrath also recently expressed his anticipation that Pakistan would make it to the semi-finals of the World Cup. In his latest interview, McGrath unveiled his final four selections for the tournament: England, Australia, India, and Pakistan. He justified his choices by citing England and Pakistan’s consistent display of formidable cricket and India’s advantage of playing on home turf.
The World Cup’s inauguration is set for October 5 in India, with reigning champions England facing off against the last World Cup’s finalists, New Zealand, in the opening match. Pakistan’s campaign will commence on October 6 against the Netherlands in Hyderabad.