Cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar has shared his predictions for the four teams he believes will advance to the semi-finals of the 2023 Cricket World Cup, which is being hosted in India.
Tendulkar made these forecasts while in conversation with the ICC at the commencement of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023. He had the honor of carrying the tournament trophy onto the field to mark the start of this momentous event in India.
Reflecting on the experience, Tendulkar remarked, ‘It was a surreal experience to carry that trophy out on the field. We ended up playing here in a quarter-final against Australia, and that night was a special one for us. To return to the same stadium twelve years later… something special has indeed happened. Prior to 2011, no host nation had won the tournament. Since then, all host nations have clinched victory. India is hosting this time, so I’m keeping my fingers crossed.’
The World Cup-winning cricketer expressed his belief that India has the potential to replicate their historic 2011 triumph on home turf. ‘I hope so, because our team is playing exceptional cricket, and if they continue to keep it simple and stick to the basics, they possess the firepower,’ Tendulkar commented. ‘We have a robust batting lineup, a versatile bowling attack, and excellent balance.’
As for the four teams that Tendulkar believes are strong contenders for the semi-finals, he stated, ‘India without a doubt. We have an exceedingly well-balanced team. The same applies to Australia; I believe they have a well-rounded squad. The third pick would be England. England is once again a formidable team, featuring a blend of seasoned players and promising newcomers. My fourth choice would be New Zealand. They made it to the finals in 2015 and 2019, and if you consider their track record in world championships, New Zealand has consistently performed well, making it a strong contender for the semi-finals.’