The 2023 ODI World Cup league stage is over and fans can’t help but wonder, who will lift the trophy in this dazzling tournament? The four teams who have advanced to semifinals are India with 18 points, South Africa and Australia with 14 points, and New Zealand with 10 points on the points table.

India has emerged victorious in all of their league stage matches but the records say that India choke on high pressure matches. India has faced failure in semi finals in 2015 and 2019.

The first semi final clash is between India and New Zealand. While New Zealand has made it to three finals in seven years but haven’t won any, India’s men have not advanced to any of the last five ICC white-ball World Cup finals. In the 2019 semifinals clash, the kiwis knocked India out of the game, this makes them a bit more favourable for the semifinals win this year too. However, the men in blue are at their peak form and haven’t let any team come near them. With not even a single defeat in their 9 matches, India looks favourite to advance to the finals.

The second knockout game is between Australia and South Africa. While the kangaroos faced initial defeats in two consecutive matches, their comeback was powerful with 7 wins in their next 7 matches. Their recent match against Afghanistan was a standout performance, as the Kangaroos managed to steal victory from the jaws of defeat. Australia recovered from 91/7 to 293/7 in 46.5 overs, all thanks to the heroic double century of Glen Maxwell.

South Africa has been a dominant force too in this addition to the World Cup. They have faced one loss against invincible India and their another unexpected loss came from Netherlands. Apart from that, they have played one sided games maintaining a great NRR of +1.261. In their previous meeting, South Africa crushed Australia, bowling them out for 177 while they needed to chase 312.

All the teams have picked up momentum and it is hard to say who will lift the trophy, but it is certain that the encounter is going to be thrilling.

Related posts: