Table of Contents
The cricketing world is abuzz with excitement as we approach the ODI World Cup 2023, which is set to take place in India from October 5. With fans and experts alike eagerly speculating about the potential winners and top-performing teams, Australia’s veteran all-rounder Shane Watson also threw his hat into the ring and offered his insights into the four teams he believes will make it to the semi-finals of the upcoming tournament.
Shane Watson’s remarkable cricketing legacy
Watson’s contributions to Australian cricket are etched in the annals of history. He amassed 5757 runs in ODIs, 3731 runs in Test matches, and more than 1400 runs in T20 internationals during his illustrious career. Notably, Watson was a pivotal member of Australia’s ODI World Cup-winning squad not once but twice in 2007 and 2015. Additionally, he also played a crucial role in Australia’s ICC Champions Trophy victories in 2006 and 2009. His wealth of experience and deep knowledge of the game make his predictions for the ODI World Cup 2023 especially intriguing.
Also READ: West Indies superstar Chris Gayle predicts the four semifinalists of ODI World Cup 2023
Watson predicts the top four teams of ODI World Cup 2023
During a recent interaction with Star Sports, Watson revealed his top four picks for the semi-finalists of the 13th edition of the ODI World Cup. The 24-year-old’s selections clearly reflected his keen understanding of the game as he made the choices based on the current strengths of international cricket teams.
Four semi-finalists predicted by Watson
1) Australia
As a former Australian cricketer and a two-time World Cup winner himself, it’s no surprise that Watson chose Australia as one of the top contenders. The Australian team has historically performed exceptionally well in World Cup tournaments, and with a talented squad, they are poised to make a strong run in the 2023 edition.
2) India
With its cricket-crazy fans and a roster of world-class players, India are always considered a formidable force in any international cricket tournament. The ODI World Cup 2023 being hosted in India gives the team the added advantage of home support, making them a strong contender for the semi-finals.
3) England
Defending champions England cricket team has undergone a resurgence in white-ball cricket in recent years. With their aggressive style of play and a squad full of match-winners, they are certainly one of the favourites to reach the semi-finals.
4) Pakistan
Watson’s final pick for the semi-finalists is Pakistan, a team known for its unpredictability and flair. Pakistan has a history of performing well in the ICC tournaments, and if they can find their form, they have the potential to go deep in the competition.
