Pakistan all-rounder Imad Wasim revised his prediction about semi-finalists of the ongoing ICC World Cup 2023 on Sunday after Afghanistan stunned defending champions England.
While speaking to Geo News, Wasim predicted the semi-finalists after taking into account the performances of teams during the mega event so far.
“South Africa, New Zealand, India, and one team from Australia, Pakistan and England will qualify for the semis,” Wasim said.
Earlier, before the start of the tournament, Wasim had named Pakistan, India, England and South Africa as the semi-finalists for the mega event.
It must be noted that the biggest upset of World Cup 2023 took place at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi, as Afghanistan beat England by 69 runs.
This was Afghanistan's second win in the history of the World Cup as the last time they beat a team in the mega event was in 2015 against Scotland in New Zealand.
This was also the first time the Afghans managed to triumph over England in an ODI match.
Batting first, Rahmanullah Gurbaz provided his side a flying start as they were 75-0 in just the first nine overs.
Gurbaz showcased his brilliant batting skills and played a rapid knock, scoring 80 off just 57 balls which included 12 boundaries, eight fours and four sixes.
The left-handed batter was on his way to complete a well-deserved century but a misunderstanding with his captain Hashmatullah Shahidi got him run out just 20 runs shy of a hundred.
After Gurbaz’s wicket, Afghanistan lost wickets in quick succession but Ikram Akhil’s 58 and valuable knocks by Rashid (23) and Mujeeb (28) powered Shahidi’s men to a fighting 284-run total.
In reply, England were all out for 215 in 40.3 overs.
Harry Brook was the only English batter to hold his ground and play a long innings as the youngster scored 66 off 61 with eight boundaries.
Rashid and Mujeeb took three wickets each, Mohammad Nabi got two, while Farooqi and Naveen picked one.
Things have gotten difficult for England captain Jos Buttler as his side only has one win in three matches and they play an inform South Africa next on October 21 in Mumbai.
On the other hand, Afghanistan will play the top team on the points table, New Zealand, on October 18 in Chennai, a spinning wicket where Shahidi’s men can take advantage of their world-class spin attack.
- Imad Wasim
