'England, South Africa, India and Pakistan': Michael Vaughan Picks His Four Teams for World Cup Semi-finals

The ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 starts from October 5 when defending champions England taken on New Zealand at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.

England are certainly among the favourites to win the title alongside hosts India.

Michael Vaughan has predicted England, South Africa, India and Pakistan to make it to the semi-finals while snubbing five-time world champions Australia.

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“Can’t wait for the World Cup to start this week .. My 4 semi-finalists will be … England, South Africa, India and Pakistan,” Vaughan said in a post on X (formerly Twitter) on Monday.

Australia won the world cup in 1987, 1999, 2003, 2007 and 2015 but failed to qualify for the semi-final last time around.

On the other hand, England won their first ever ODI World Cup in 2019 beating New Zealand in  thrilling final that went into Super Over.

India made it to the semi-final but lost to New Zealand in a contest that was played across two days due to rain interruption.

Vaughan’s prediction didn’t go down well with former Australia international Mark Waugh who replied, “You’ve lost your marbles.”

Last month, Vaughan had claimed the team that beats India will be crowned the world champions.

“It’s quite clear to me .. Whoever beats #India will win the WC .. #INDvAUS .. India’s batting line up on Indian pitches is ridiculous .. Plus they have all the bowling options covered .. it’s the only the pressure of the burden that could stop them,” Vaughan had posted on X.

India are hosting the ODI world cup for the first time since 2011 when they became the first win the title on home soil.

Since then, the ODI trophy has been won by the hosts including Australia (in 2015) and England (2019).

India, led by Rohit Sharma, will be aiming to win their third ever title and they start their campaign against Australia on October 8 in Chennai’s MA Chidambaram Stadium.