Shillong, October 30: Australian cricketer Nathan Lyon is confident that the long-standing rivals, five-time champions Australia and the two-time winners and hosts India, will clash in the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 final in Ahmedabad on November 19.
As per IANS, both teams have notched a series of victories over the weekend. Australia secured a high-scoring five-run triumph against New Zealand on Saturday, while India overcame a sluggish start to defeat England by a substantial 100-run margin the following day.
Lyon shared his views on the upcoming final, stating, “I honestly believe it will be an Australia vs. India final. India is the number one favorite for me, and it’s been exciting to watch.”
He acknowledged South Africa’s strength as well, noting, “That being said, I think South Africa is still a dangerous team with a powerful batting lineup. You just have to look at their number three in Rassie van der Dussen, Aiden Markram, Heinrich Klaasen, and then David Miller.”
Lyon also emphasized the pressure on India due to the high expectations of the nation, saying, “India also has the pressure of the whole nation who are expecting them to win, and their fans are so passionate. In finals, Australia has the runs on the board, so hopefully they can go all the way.”
Currently, India leads the tournament with six wins in as many games, followed by South Africa with five wins and one loss. New Zealand and Australia both have four wins and two losses, with New Zealand ahead of Australia on net run rate.
