In a testament to India’s stellar performance in the ongoing cricket World Cup, former cricketer Syed Kirmani, a pivotal figure in India’s victorious 1983 World Cup campaign, has voiced his confidence in India’s ability to clinch the coveted title. Kirmani, who traveled alongside South African cricket legend Jonty Rhodes on the Vande Bharat Express from Bhopal to Delhi, praised India’s exceptional displays throughout the tournament.
Upon reaching Delhi, Kirmani expressed optimism about India’s World Cup prospects, citing their outstanding performance as a key factor. Both South Africa and India have exhibited top-notch cricket, securing berths in the semi-final stage. However, a single defeat in the semi-finals could negate all their previous efforts.
Jonty Rhodes echoed Kirmani’s sentiments, acknowledging the outstanding individual and team performances that have characterized the tournament. He emphasized that, despite the tournament’s excellence so far, the challenges escalate in the knockout stages as the stakes become higher.
As the group stage nears its conclusion, India, South Africa, and Australia have secured their spots in the semi-finals. The fourth spot remains up for grabs, with New Zealand, Pakistan, and Afghanistan competing for the final berth. India’s last group-stage match is against the Netherlands on Sunday at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium, while South Africa faces Afghanistan on Friday at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad. Australia will contend with Bangladesh in their final group-stage game on Saturday at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Pune.