Sachin Tendulkar leaves out Pakistan as he names his four semi-finalists of ICC Cricket World Cup 2023

Former Indian cricketer Sachin Tendulkar predicted his four semi-finalists of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023.

Indian legend, Sachin Tendulkar who has been appointed as the ambassador of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023, spoke to ICC after carrying the trophy to the stadium to kick-start this edition. Talking about the semi-finalists, Sachin Tendulkar pointed out how, since 2011, the home teams have won World Cup.

“I hope so because our team is playing good cricket, and if the team continues to keep things simple and stick to the basics, they have the ammunition. We’ve got a strong batting line-up, a very good all-round bowling attack, and we have good balance," he said.

He also pointed out that Australia are equally strong and are expected to reach the semi-finals. “So is the case with Australia; I feel they have a balanced team," he added.

He also believes that defending champions England are likely to make it to the final four. He added that they are a strong team. “The third one, I would say, would be England. England is again a very strong team, a combination of experience and some new faces," he said.

Sachin Tendulkar picks New Zealand ahead of Pakistan for the semi-final spot

The former Indian cricketer believes that New Zealand are expected to make it to the semi-finals. He said that last year's runners-up have an excellent track record at the World Cup.

“My fourth team would be New Zealand. They played in the finals in 2015 and 2019. If you look at their track record, New Zealand in world championships have always done well, and I see them getting to the semis," he told ICC.

New Zealand kicked off the tournament with a massive victory over defending champions England on Thursday. In a repeat of last edition's finals, England were sent into bat first by New Zealand at Ahmedabad. England managed to score 282 in their 50 overs, with Joe Root leading the batting attack with an 86-ball 77. Matt Henry grabbed three wickets for Blackcaps.

In return, Will Young departed for a golden duck, but Devon Conway and Rachin Ravindra finished the match for the team. Wellington duo added 273 runs for the second wicket. Devon Conway top-scored with an unbeaten 121-balls 152, while Rachin Ravindra was awarded the player of the match for his 96-ball 123 and 1 for 76.

Sachin Tendulkar's two other predicted semi-finalists, India and Australia will lock horns in their first match of the tournament on Sunday, October 8th, in Chepauk Stadium in Chennai.