Dale Steyn, Irfan Pathan predict ODI World Cup 2023 finalists

The ODI World Cup 2023 is just around the corner and all the teams have already started preparing for the marquee event. In the lead-up to the event, experts and cricketing legends have also begun weighing in on their predictions for the finalists. Dale Steyn and Irfan Pathan, two former greats, have shared their insights on which teams are likely to make it to the final.

Steyn expressed his heartfelt desire to see South Africa make it to the final as he believes that the team's familiarity with Indian conditions due to the presence of several players who have played in the Indian Premier League (IPL) gives them a significant advantage.

"It’s a tough one, you know my heart wants to go with South Africa making the final. I would love them to make the final, their team, a lot of their players play in the IPL, they play in India regularly, and they have some guys like David Miller and Heinrich Klaasen who really started to figure out those conditions and bat well there. Then, there is KG Rabada, who has been bowling there for ages," Steyn told Star Sports.

However, Steyn acknowledged that the competition is stiff, and he is inclined to agree with Waqar Younis, another cricketing great, that India and England are the favourites. "My heart wants to say South Africa and India, but I am kind of leaning towards India and England," Steyn added.

On the other hand, Irfan acknowledged the strength of defending champions England, particularly highlighting their versatile all-rounders. However,  he inclined towards South Africa and he predicted that they will excel in this World Cup.

"On logic, you can't drop England from the finalists' spot because they have a very strong team. For me, it's India and South Africa," Pathan declared confidently. He praised India's current form and their thorough preparation, echoing the sentiments of Waqar Younis regarding their performance in the Asia Cup. 

"South Africa has a great chance to do well in this World Cup because they have arrived here with a strong team and good form but India will definitely win this Word Cup because they are at their best form right now and also like Waqar Younis told how they played in the Asia Cup and according to me they have also ticked all the boxes at right time," he concluded.