Former England skipper Nasser Hussain, who is the part of ICC World Cup 2019, as a commentator, has predicted the ICC World Cup 2019 winner. Hussain maintained that the top four teams had played outstanding cricket. Interestingly, he had made some interesting choices which include the World No. 1 ODI ranked team, India.
With India set to take on New Zealand in the first semi-final on Tuesday (July 9), Hussain believes India is a stronger side, and they get to the target. Also, he asked a question while adding a question mark regarding for of Kiwis’ batsmen. Apart from skipper Kane Williamson rest of the batsmen had a mixed run including senior-most campaigner, Ross Taylor.
Besides, he cited that India is a strong batting unit, and they could chase the target while maintaining they had an oodles of luck to make it to the semi-finals.
India to beat New Zealand: Hussain
Earlier, the Black Caps had shown an exit door to Pakistan on the basis of good net run-rate when both had five victories in as many games.
“India are just too strong. They will always get a score. New Zealand have been under-par and a bit lucky to be there. Are there enough New Zealand batsmen in form to be able to chase down whatever India score? I don’t think so,” the Daily Mail quoted Hussain, as saying.
On the other side, hosts Three Lions will take on reigning champions Australia on Thursday at Edgbaston in Birmingham. He further put forth his prediction that India will wrestle with England in the grand finale.
The 51-year-old Hussain has also tipped that England will lift their maiden ODI showpiece title at the historic Lord’s Cricket Ground in London.
England to pip Australia: Hussain
While predicting the winners of semi-finals and final, Hussain reiterated that England must be happy to play the Kangaroos away from Lord’s. He added the Lord’s pitch had assisted Australia pacers, and England enjoys Edgbaston conditions. So, he is rooting for the hosts.
“England will be pleased they are playing Australia away from Lord’s because as we saw in the group stages Lord’s suits the Aussies and the way they play. Their swing bowlers would have been more dangerous at Lord’s than Edgbaston. England love playing at Edgbaston and I will go for them. Just,” Hussain further said.
On his admission, that India has availed some high-quality players, Hussain believes the Men in Blue, has loopholes to plug in, whereas, he doesn’t see any issues with the Eoin Morgan-led England.
“If England beat India twice they will be worthy winners of this World Cup and nobody could argue. ‘There are some great players in this India side. But there are still a few holes and I don’t see any holes in the England team. I’m going for England. Just.”Hussain concluded.
Concurrently, India is World No. 1 in the ICC ODI rankings with England second on the list.