The intensity has heightened in the ongoing ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 as the competition progresses to the knockout phase. Set for the first semi-final on Wednesday, November 15 in Mumbai, India and New Zealand are gearing up for a fierce encounter, while the second semi-final in Kolkata on November 16 will witness Australia and South Africa battling it out.
Legendary cricketers Ravi Shastri and Ricky Ponting recently shared their perspectives on the upcoming pivotal matches. Shastri predicted an India Australia match in the summit clash on November 19 in Ahmedabad, affirming his earlier sentiment during the ICC Quiz Night at Glocal Junction in Mumbai.
“On October 08 during India’s first game of the tournament, I said that this is the dress rehearsel of the final. I feel that these two sides will be seen clashing in the finals as well,” said Ravi Shastri.
On the other hand, Ricky Ponting emphasized the significance of the toss in the second semi-final between Australia and South Africa at Eden Gardens in Kolkata. He highlighted how the pitch slowed down in a previous game, making the team batting first advantageous, deeming the toss crucial.
Looking ahead, the duo was tasked with selecting one player from the combined line-ups of India and New Zealand for their dream teams. Ponting opted for star Indian batter Virat Kohli, while Shastri chose Indian skipper Rohit Sharma for his strategic captaincy throughout the tournament and explosive batting at the top.
Despite India’s consistent qualification for the knockout stages in seven of the last eight ICC events, they aim to break their knockout jinx in the first semi-final, seeking a triumphant end to their ICC trophy drought.
