Former England captain Kevin Pietersen has heaped praise on South Africa’s resurgence as a contender for the upcoming ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023. Pietersen’s comments follow South Africa’s impressive victory over Australia in a five-match ODI series, where they came from behind with commanding wins in the last two games.
Taking to the social media platform ‘X,’ Kevin Pietersen credited South Africa’s resurgence to Heinrich Klaasen’s stellar performance. He acknowledged India as the favorites, especially on their home turf, following their Asia Cup win.
Kevin Pietersen also highlighted Pakistan as a constant threat, positioned just below India in terms of favorites. He recognized England as a strong contender and expected Australia to be in the mix as well.
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“South Africa become contenders for the CWC after their win against Aus. Klaasen is the major asset. India favorites at home with Asia Cup win. Pakistan is always a threat. ALWAYS! England sitting just under India, in terms of favorites tag. And Australia, well they’ll be there and thereabouts,” Kevin Pietersen posted 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 stage is set for an exciting showdown with teams like India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, England, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Afghanistan, and the Netherlands competing in the prestigious tournament. The group stage will be fiercely competitive, with a round-robin format determining the top four teams advancing to the knockout stages.
Semi-finals are scheduled in Mumbai on November 15 and in Kolkata on November 16, with the grand finale set for November 19 in Ahmedabad.
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Cricket fans worldwide are eagerly awaiting the 10-team Cricket World Cup, set to commence on October 5. While eight teams secured direct qualification, Sri Lanka and the Netherlands clinched the last two spots through a thrilling qualifier round held in Zimbabwe last month.
