EDICRIC | Cricket | AB de Villiers Prediction England vs India final ODI World Cup 2023

AB de Villiers Prediction England vs India final ODI World Cup 2023

AB de Villiers, the legendary former South African captain and one of the most distinguished batsmen in the history of the sport, has prognosticated that India will embark on a “fairy-tale” journey in the World Cup and clinch the championship for the third time. During a Q&A session on his YouTube channel, De Villiers said that he expects India vs England to face each other in the final clash at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on November 19, placing his bet on the home team to seize the title.

AB de Villiers | Semi-Final Predictions

Definitely India, I think they will go on to win it over there again. It’s going to be a fairy-tale World Cup. India, England, and Australia – got to go with the big three. Then I want to go with South Africa, even though Pakistan has a really good chance as well. So the fourth team will be South Africa,” De Villiers said when asked about his four semi-finalists for the mega event.

England and India in the final. If they can find each other in that final, I think that will be fantastic, even though I want my South African boys to be there. I don’t think it’s going to be easy for them but never say never. This is the World Cup in which there are least expectations from South Africa and that might boast well for them. They are very talented and a very underrated team, De Villiers said.

De Villiers, who exited international cricket in 2018, is widely revered as an extraordinarily versatile and explosive batsman. His accolades include records for the fastest century (31 balls) and the quickest 150 (64 balls) in ODI history. Although he participated in three World Cups for South Africa, he was unable to achieve his aspiration of securing the championship title.

AB de Villiers | ENG vs IND Final

His forecast of an India vs England final doesn’t come as a surprise, considering the recent dominance of both teams in the ODI format. England, the reigning champions, claimed their inaugural World Cup victory in 2019 with a dramatic super-over triumph over New Zealand at Lord’s. On the other hand, India, the tournament hosts, field a formidable batting lineup led by captain Rohit Sharma. Their well-rounded bowling arsenal showcases names like Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, Mohammed Siraj, Ravindra Jadeja, and Yuzvendra Chahal.

Nevertheless, the contenders also face fierce competition from other formidable challengers such as Australia, New Zealand, Pakistan, and South Africa. Australia, with five World Cup victories to their name, epitomize success in the competition. Their batting prowess features David Warner, Mitchell Marsh, Steve Smith, and Glenn Maxwell, bolstered by a potent pace attack led by Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins. New Zealand, two-time consecutive runners-up, boast a balanced lineup anchored by Kane Williamson, Devon Conway, Trent Boult, and Tim Southee.

Pakistan, known for its unpredictability and historic triumphs in 1992 and 2017, possess budding talents like Babar Azam, Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, and Mohammad Rizwan, capable of turning matches on their head. South Africa, consistently formidable in ODIs, grapple with the weight of their “chokers” label, yet boast luminaries such as Quinton de Kock, Rassie van der Dussen, Kagiso Rabada, and Anrich Nortje.

The forthcoming ODI World Cup of 2023 promises an enthralling spectacle of competition, as teams vie for ultimate glory. De Villiers’ prophecy is rooted in his experience and analysis, although cricket remains a domain of unpredictability, where any outcome can manifest on any given day. Fans eagerly anticipate riveting matches and unforgettable performances from their beloved players.

What is your perspective on AB de Villier’s prediction? Does it resonate with you, or do you hold an alternative viewpoint? Share your reflections in the comments section below.