India will face Australia in the ODI World Cup 2023 final, predicts former chief selector Chetan Sharma

The former Chairman of the Indian selection committee has picked up India and Australia as the two finalists of the ODI World Cup 2023. He said that both these teams are the two strongest teams of the tournament and would face each other in the finals at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.

India has been the team that has looked miles ahead of other teams in the tournament. India has been sitting at the top of the points table after winning all 8 matches they have played so far. India has always been known for their batting but in this tournament, their bowling has been menacing. 

In a high-scoring World Cup, Indian bowlers haven’t conceded 300 runs once and have bundled the two of their oppositions under 100 in a World Cup where 350 runs have been made for fun. On the other hand, after a slow start in the first two matches, five-time champions Australia have picked up momentum and have won 6 consecutive matches on the trot. Australia will face South Africa in the semi-finals, whereas the opposition of India is yet to be decided.

India will face New Zealand in the Semi-finals

In a TV show with India TV, Chetan Sharma said that India will likely face New Zealand in the semi-final at the Wankhede Stadium. Out of the three teams who are in contention for the 4th spot, New Zealand has the best chance to qualify as they will face Sri Lanka in their last league match. Whereas, other teams such as Pakistan and Afghanistan are dependent on the results of New Zealand and Sri Lanka for their further qualification. 

In the interview, Chetan Sharma said, “According to me, New Zealand is the favourites to be the fourth semifinalists. They only have to beat Sri Lanka which they might do easily with the kind of cricket they have played in this World Cup so far. If they win, net run-rate will come into the equation for Pakistan and it won't be easy for them to win big against England."