As the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 unfolds in a blaze of glory, veteran Australian spinner Nathan Lyon has voiced his confidence in an epic final showdown between the five-time champions, Australia, and the hosts, two-time winners, India. The highly anticipated final is scheduled to take place in Ahmedabad on November 19, promising cricket fans an exhilarating battle on the pitch.
Australia and India on Winning Streaks
Both Australia and India have showcased their mettle in the tournament by stringing together impressive victories. Australia, known for their thrilling brand of cricket, recently secured a heart-pounding five-run victory over New Zealand in a high-scoring encounter that left fans on the edge of their seats. Meanwhile, India displayed their resilience by overcoming a slow start and defeating England with a convincing margin of 100 runs.
Lyon, sharing his insights on SEN 1170 Breakfast, stated, “I honestly believe it will be an Australia v India final. India is the number one (favourite) for me (and) it’s been exciting to watch.”
South Africa Looms as a Dangerous Contender
While Lyon is confident about an Australia-India final, he also acknowledged that South Africa remains a formidable threat in the competition. The South African team boasts a powerful batting lineup, featuring stars like Rassie van der Dussen, Aiden Markram, Heinrich Klaasen, and David Miller. This formidable combination makes South Africa a team to watch out for in the tournament.
Lyon added, “South Africa is still a dangerous team with a powerful batting lineup.”
Pressure on India as Host Nation
Despite being the host nation, India faces a substantial amount of pressure in their quest for the World Cup trophy. The expectations of an entire nation rest heavily on their shoulders, as passionate fans eagerly anticipate India’s triumph in this prestigious competition.
“India also has the pressure of the whole nation who are expecting them to win, and their fans are so passionate,” Lyon acknowledged.
Tight Competition in the Points Table
As of now, India leads the points table with an impressive record of six victories out of as many games. South Africa closely follows with five wins and a single loss. New Zealand and Australia have both notched up four wins and encountered two losses each, with the Kiwis holding a slight edge over the Aussies in terms of net run rate.
With the World Cup nearing its climax, cricket enthusiasts can look forward to an intense and closely contested final match. Nathan Lyon’s prediction of an Australia vs. India final has further heightened the anticipation surrounding the tournament, promising a thrilling showdown that fans worldwide won’t want to miss.
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