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It just took one game for Virender Sehwag to modify his prediction for the 2023 World Cup semifinalists.
Former India batsman claimed that India, England, Australia, and Pakistan would reach the semifinals.
However, the India legend has modified his prediction after New Zealand humiliated England by 9 wickets in the World Cup opening on Thursday (October 5).
The incumbent champions were thoroughly outplayed by New Zealand, who dominated with both bat and ball at Ahmedabad’s Narendra Modi Stadium.
The Black Caps bowled first on an excellent batting wicket and limited the Jos Buttler-led side to 282 for 9 in 50 overs.
In response, New Zealand got off to a bad start when Will Young went duck hunting.
However, Devon Conway and Rachin Ravindra led New Zealand to a convincing victory. They completed the chase in less than 37 overs, losing only one wicket.
With England’s title defence off to a dismal start, Virender Sehwag has stated that he may have to revise his forecast.
The former cricketer-turned-commentator stated in a video uploaded by Cricbuzz on YouTube that while England may still finish in the top four, they will need to win a game by a large margin to improve their net run-rate.
“I had England in my top four predictions, but I think I need to change my mind now.” They can lose two games and still make the semi-finals.
However, their net run rate has plummeted. As a result, they will need to defeat another side by a large margin,” Virender Sehwag stated.
“The wicket remained unchanged; New Zealand simply batted better.” The shot selection of the England batsmen was bad. In contrast, New Zealand just lost one wicket.
The two hitters stayed until the end because their shot selection was excellent. That made a significant difference. “I’d say we’ve already seen one upset in this World Cup, and they also exacted retaliation for the 2019 World Cup final,”
England will attempt to make their World Cup debut against Bangladesh in their next match. The match is set to take place in Dharamsala on October 10.
