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Cricket fans worldwide are eagerly waiting for the start of the ODI World Cup 2023, and South African cricket legend Dale Steyn has shared his insights into who he believes will make it to the finals of the prestigious tournament. Known for his exceptional cricketing knowledge and sharp analysis, Steyn’s predictions have stirred excitement among cricket enthusiasts.
In a recent interview with Star Sports, Steyn shared his thoughts on the upcoming ODI World Cup, scheduled to be held in India. The former South African pace maestro, who boasts a remarkable cricketing career, discussed his favourites to reach the tournament’s ultimate showdown.
Steyn expressed a heartfelt desire to see his home country, South Africa, reach the final. He highlighted South Africa’s advantage, as many of its players regularly participate in the Indian Premier League (IPL) and are familiar with Indian conditions. Steyn mentioned key players like David Miller, Heinrich Klaasen and Kagiso Rabada, who have excelled in Indian conditions and can make a significant impact.
“It’s a tough one, you know my heart wants to go with South Africa making the final. I would love them to make the final, their team, a lot of their players play in the IPL, they play in India regularly. They got some guys like in David Miller and Heinrich Klaasen who really started to figure out those conditions and bat well there. Then, there is KG Rabada who has been bowling there for ages and a lot of their other senior players have played a lot of cricket there. So I feel like they have got the ability to go on and get to the finals with getting those players,” Steyn was quoted as saying to Star Sports.
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“I feel like India is going to be one of the finalists”: Dale Steyn
Steyn also acknowledged that the hosts India are a strong contender, considering the team’s rich cricketing heritage and familiarity with home conditions. With a squad full of seasoned IPL performers, Team India is widely regarded as one of the favourites to reach the final.
Additionally, Steyn also mentioned England as a potential finalist.
“Yeah, I feel like the favourites would probably be India, I feel like India is going to be one of the finalists, and probably England. But my heart wants to say South Africa and India but I am kind of leaning towards India and England,” the Proteas star added.
The English team’s recent performances and depth in both batting and bowling have made them a formidable force in limited-overs cricket. The defending champions will begin their World Cup campaign against the last time’s runner-ups New Zealand.
