ICC World Cup 2023: Sir Viv Richards Predicts Pakistan Pacer Shaheen Afridi As Leading-Wicket Taker In WC

Legendary West Indies cricketer Sir Viv Richards made his prediction for the leading wicket-taker in the much-awaited ODI World Cup 2023, which is set to be played in India. Viv Richards picked Pakistan’s left-arm seamer Shaheen Afridi to finish at the top in the bowling charts during the tournament.

Shaheen Afridi will be the spearhead of the Pakistan bowling attack in the upcoming World Cup. The left-arm pacer represented Pakistan in five matches during the 2019 World Cup. He picked up 16 wickets at an impressive average of 14.62, with his best figures being 6/35 against Bangladesh.

Leading wicket-takers will Be Shaheen Afridi – Viv Richards

In a video posted on the ICC’s official Instagram handle, Viv Richards highlighted Shaheen Afridi‘s growth and determination, which make him a standout performer in the tournament.

“The leading wicket-taker in the World Cup will be Shaheen Afridi because I have seen him in Pakistan. I spent some time in the PSL and I have seen his massive growth. [He is a] highly determined individual. He is my man,” Richards said.

The 23-year-old pacer will be next seen in action during the upcoming edition of the Asia Cup, which is scheduled to be played in Pakistan and Sri Lanka between August 30 and September 17. Pakistan will lock horns with Nepal in the opening game of the tournament in Multan.

Afridi resented the nation in 27 Test matches, 39 ODIs, and 52 T20Is, securing 105, 76, and 64 wickets, respectively. He emerged as the top wicket-taker in the recently concluded ODI series against Afghanistan. He claimed six wickets in three matches at an average of 16.33.

Jos Buttler Will Be The Leading Run-Scorer – Jacques Kallis

Earlier, South African cricket legend Jacques Kallis named England’s white-ball skipper Jos Buttler as the most run-getter during the marquee tournament.

“I think Jos Buttler will be the leading run-scorer. Outside call, but I fancy him in those conditions along with England having a good World Cup. I think he’s going to be the one guy that stands out,” Kallis said.

Jos Buttler will lead the defending champions in the upcoming World Cup. The right-handed batter was part of England’s World Cup-winning campaign in the 2019 edition. He scored 4647 runs in 165 ODIs at an average of 41.49, including 11 hundreds and 24 half-centuries.

Also read: IND Vs PAK: Rohit Sharma And Co. Handed Massive Shaheen Shah Afridi Warning Before Asia Cup 2023 Clash By Salman Butt