South Africa has been regarded as a genuine contender for the forthcoming ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 by former England captain Kevin Pietersen. The announcement follows South Africa’s amazing victory over Australia in a thrilling five-match one-day international series, which saw the Proteas come back from a 1-2 lead to win by convincingly winning the final two games by margins of 164 and 122 runs. Never one to hold back, the former England batter used the social networking platform ‘X’ to share his opinions on South Africa’s elevated position in the cricketing hierarchy.
He gave Heinrich Klaasen, whose outstanding performance was vital in ensuring the series victory, credit for their comeback. However, the 43-year-old persisted in his claim that India owns the coveted title of favorites, particularly at home, in the wake of their Asia Cup victory. He also emphasized Pakistan’s ongoing threat and acknowledged England’s impressive standing, only a notch below India. Australia, a consistent contender, would once again be in the running, according to Pietersen.
“South Africa’s victory over Australia elevates them to CWC challenger status.
The main asset is Klaasen. India won the Asia Cup and is the favorite at home. Pakistan is a constant danger. ALWAYS! In terms of favorites, England is right behind India. Australia, meanwhile, “will be there or close to it,” Pietersen wrote in a post on ‘X’.
Here is Pietersen’s most recent article on ‘X’:
South Africa become contenders for the CWC after their win against Aus. Klaasen is the major asset.
India favourites at home with Asia Cup win.
Pakistan is always a threat. ALWAYS!
England sitting just under India, in terms of favourites tag.
And Australia, well they’ll be…— Kevin Pietersen
(@KP24) September 18, 2023
The World Cup 2023 beckons
India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, England, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Afghanistan, and the Netherlands have all qualified for the coveted competition, setting the stage for an exciting final. The top four teams will move on to the knockout phases after the group stage, which is expected to be a hotly competitive game. On November 15 and 16, respectively, the semi-final matchups are scheduled to occur in Mumbai, and on November 16, in Kolkata. On November 19, Ahmedabad will host the championship match.
The 10-team Cricket World Cup is set to begin on October 5, and cricket fans all over the world are preparing for the show. While eight teams qualified directly for the 46-day event, Sri Lanka and the Netherlands earned the final two coveted berths after a thrilling qualifier round that took place in Zimbabwe just last month.
India
