Picture : ICC/ X
So we have finally reached the weekend where a new 2023 ICC World Cup winner will be crowned on November 19 at the majestic Narendra Modi stadium at Ahmedabad.
And the four semi- finalists – India , Australia, South Africa, New Zealand have earned their slot by playing quality cricket. In long 9 matches each league games , India the hosts was the only team that remained unbeaten. Leagues record / wins are now done and dusted .
The Focus now is on the big two encounters : November 15 – India vs New Zealand at Wankhede, and November 16 : Australia vs South Africa at the iconic Eden Gardens , Kolkata. Both having the potential of a mouth- watering contest.
November 15 : India vs New Zealand , Wankhede
It was the same venue 12 years earlier that Mahendra Singh Dhoni and his men beat Sri Lanka to win India’s second World Cup title breaking the 28 year jinx. This time Team India will be hoping emulate the 2011 side winning the title at home. A ground of Indian skipper Rohit Sharma.
India have score to settle against the Kiwis who dashed their World Cup hopes in the semi finals in 2019 in England . Having won nine out of nine matches team India is on a roll and seems to have all bases covered . The batting unit has clicked so far from openers – Rohit Sharma , Shubman Gill, and the middle – order with Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, K L Rahul, Suryakumar Yadav, and Ravindra Jadeja .
The pace attack has been red hot with Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Mohammed Shami and wily spin of – Ravindra Jadeja and Kuldeep Yadav. The absence of all- rounder Hardik Pandya has not been felt . That has been the bench strength of Team India . So far so good . Now comes the crunch match. Hopes of billions will matter on November 15 .
Current form augurs well for India but India should be way of the Kiwis given their record against India in OCC events and are one of the most consistent sides in world cricket . They are well oiled unit in all departments – batting, bowling and fielding . Kane Williamson back at the helm is timely . The team which has players like Devon Conway, Trent Boult, Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips Mitchell Santner, Lockie Ferguson , Tim Southee are a genuine threat to any side . And for Kiwis this World Cup has given them new star in 23-year-old Rachin Ravindra . Rachin has impressed all with his shot- making ability.
Given the names on both sides and the abilities they have one can foresee a cracker of a contest at Wankhede. And may the best team win.
November 16: Australia vs South Africa ,Kolkata, Eden Gardens
The iconic stadium will host the second semi- final and given the two sides a tough contest is on the cards . Australia and South Africa played many thriller in World Cups and this brings out the best among them. South Africa beat Australia in the league stage and the Aussies since the early two losses had bounced back superbly to win seven matches in a row.
The five – time winners Australia will be pleased that their big guns – David Warner, Travis Head, Marnus Labuschagne, Mitchell Marsh , Steve Smith and Glenn Maxwell are in terrific form . Skipper Pat Cummins is leading from the front and ably supported by Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood , Marcus Stoinis. Leg- Spin has been well handled by Adam Zampa. Aussies have the fire- power to beat South Africa.
South Africa has surprised all with their show this time. They have played fearless brand of aggressive cricket. Though they have showed some nerves while chasing , but while batting first they have been devastating . Opener Quniton de Kock has been simply outstanding with as many as four 100’s in the cup . With the likes Likes hard- hitting Heinrich Klaasen , David Miller, Rassie van der Dussen, Aiden Markram in their ranks the Proteas under skipper Temba Bavuma have looked a very competitive unit.
Bowling too has been sharp with Kagiso Rabada, Gerald Coetzee , Lungi Ngidi , Keshav Maharaj. So peaking at right time Cummins led Australia and the vastly improved attacking South Africa promises to be a thriller.
Already the predictions for two finalists are on in full swing . Some say India vs Australia final on the cards . Some say South Africa vs New Zealand. Or Australia vs New Zealand final . Which two will face- off the guessing game is on. Senior journalist and an avid cricket fan Rajdeep Sardesai aptly wrote on X . So it’s India Vs New Zealand in Mumbai and Australia Vs South Africa in Kolkata . Head says India Vs Australia final in Ahmedabad.. heart says India Vs South Africa with Gandhi and Mandela watching from above! What’s your prediction?
