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As the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 progresses towards its climactic final stages, the excitement among fans and experts are reaching a fever pitch. With every participating team putting forth their utmost efforts, no stone is left unturned in the quest to secure a coveted spot in the playoff stage of this exceptionally prestigious tournament.
The dedication and talent displayed by the participating nations throughout the tournament have made this cricketing carnival a thrilling and highly anticipating journey for the cricket enthusiasts worldwide.
Adding to the current buzz surrounding the World Cup 2023, former English cricketer Michael Vaughan recently made his predictions for the upcoming semifinal stage of the tournament.
Michael Vaughan’s exhilarating prediction
Vaughan predicted that the second semifinal, scheduled to be played at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata on November 16, could witness India facing off against their arch-rivals Pakistan.
“India v Pakistan Semi in Kolkata anyone .. #CWC23,” Vaughan wrote in his tweet.
India v Pakistan Semi in Kolkata anyone .. 😜 #CWC23
— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) November 1, 2023
Adding another layer to this forecast, former Pakistan fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar playfully and wittily responded to Vaughan’s prophecy, injecting a lighthearted yet intriguing element into the ongoing cricket discussion.
Shoaib Akhtar’s comical response to Michael Vaughan’s tweet
Shoaib cheekily responded to Vaughan by mentioning that predictions of the India vs Pakistan clash in the playoff stage have already gone in vain many times.
“These things have spoilt us in the past also Vaughany,” Shoaib mentioned in his response to Vaughan.
These things have spoilt us in the past also Vaughany 😂 https://t.co/ZFAxwPN0BL
— Shoaib Akhtar (@shoaib100mph) November 1, 2023
It is worth noting that India handed a crushing defeat to Pakistan in the league-stage fixture of the ongoing World Cup.
Also READ: Cricket fraternity erupts as clinical India steamroll Sri Lanka to secure semi-final berth of ODI World Cup 2023
Playoffs qualification scenario of India and Pakistan
India’s journey to the playoff stage appears relatively straightforward, with the Men in Blue notching up victories in all seven of their matches so far.
On the other side, Pakistan’s quest for a spot in the semifinals is a more challenging endeavour, necessitating wins in all their remaining fixtures while also relying on the outcomes of other teams’ clashes to align favourably.
