The biggest cricket event is all set to kick start in India. The 2023 ODI World Cup will start on October 5 with a game between England and New Zealand at Narendra Modi Stadium. Fans are crazy excited for the coming tournaments in India.
The top ten teams will have countless superstars compete in the tournament. That will make this tournament one of the biggest sporting events. However, the pitches in India are mainly batting-friendly, but there are some brilliant bowlers who will trouble the batters.
With only a few weeks left until the start of the tournament, a number of former cricketers have shared their predictions for the winner, semi-finalists, and highest run-getter in the coming tournament. However, former West Indian legend Viv Richards, who was one of the greatest players of his time, has predicted a bowler who will going to rule the tournament.
Interestingly, he didn’t pick Mitchell Starc, Jasprit Bumrah, Mark Wood, or any spinner. He has named Pakistani speedster Shaheen Afridi, who will be picking up the most wickets in the upcoming World Cup in India. In a discussion with the ICC, Richards revealed his choice.
He said, “The leading wicket-taker in the World Cup will be Shaheen Afridi because I have seen him in Pakistan and spent some time in PSL, and I have seen his massive growth. He is a highly determined individual. He is my man.”
Shaheen is Pakistan’s leader in the bowling attack. He has taken 76 wickets in 39 ODIs so far at a strike rate of 25.83. He took six wickets in three ODIs at an average of 16.33 against Afghanistan recently. Now, he will be back in action in the upcoming Asia Cup 2023, where he will bowl to Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and many other big names.
He helped his team win the series and become the new No. 1 ODI team. Shaheen will be back in action on Wednesday, when Pakistan will face Nepal in the opening match of the Asia Cup in Multan.
