'They are just average': Harbhajan predicts top four of World Cup, snubs No. 1 ODI side

The 2023 ICC Men's ODI World Cup is just a little over two weeks away, and it's all set to unfold in India across 10 venues from October 5 to November 19, featuring 10 teams. Former Indian spinner Harbhajan Singh, a member of the 2011 ODI World Cup-winning team, has shared his insights on the tournament. In his predictions, he has named four favorites for the title and the semifinals.

3 things you need to know

• India will play their first World Cup match against Australia on October 8
• England and New Zealand will kick start the World Cup with a match on October 5
• Pakistan will play against India at Narendra Modi Stadium on October 14

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Harbhajan Singh picks four semifinalists for ODI World Cup

The former India international has left Pakistan off his list. Harbhajan believes that the teams that reached the semifinals in the last edition have a strong chance of making it to the knockouts once again.Harbhajan also expressed his hope for a closely contested match between India and Australia, as he believes that the winner of this clash could become the frontrunner for the World Cup. Australia, India, and England are seen as contenders for the top four spots. As for the last spot in the semifinals, Harbhajan has placed his bet on New Zealand. Despite not receiving much attention as a potential candidate, New Zealand has a history of performing well on the big stage and boasts one of the most well-rounded squads for this tournament.

Singh, while speaking on his YouTube channel said:

I hope the match is closely contested (India vs. Australia). Whoever wins the game will become favourites to win the World Cup. Australia is also one of the contenders for the World Cup semifinals, India is another contender for the top four spots, and England is also a contender. For the remaining one spot, people are saying Pakistan could advance to the semifinals but in the 50-over format, they are just average. They play good cricket in T20Is but my fourth pick would be New Zealand. (India, Australia, England, New Zealand) They are my four semifinalists for the World Cup

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Injury issues rise for New Zealand

There are some uncertainties regarding the availability of pacer Tim Southee due to injuries in the initial matches. However, New Zealand has a lineup featuring exciting players like Devon Conway, Tom Latham, Daryl Mitchell, Mitchell Santner, Ish Sodhi, Trent Boult, Jimmy Neesham, and Lockie Ferguson. These players are poised to give their best efforts to help New Zealand secure its first-ever ODI World Cup victory.

Image: PTI/ICC