Stuart Broad Says Haris Rauf, Shaheen Afridi Can Blow Away Any Opposition As He Picks Pakistan As WC 2023 Semi-Finalists

Former England cricketer Stuart Broad talked about Pakistan’s pace attack for the ICC World Cup 2023. He said that Haris Rauf along with Shaheen Afridi can blow away any opposition.

Pakistan Cricket Team will be one of the threatening forces in the upcoming ICC World Cup 2023. The reason behind that has been their staggering fast bowling lineup. Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf have been exceptional in the format and have dismantled the various batting lineups.

Although they will be missing Naseem Shah, who has been ruled out due to injury, the quality of the fast bowling that they have is good enough to take the world cricket by storm. They will be heading into the team for the ICC World Cup as favourites and it’ll be no surprise if they can win the tournament.

Stuart Broad believes that Pakistan will be a threat in the ICC World Cup 2023. He also highlighted the quality of players they have in the side. Writing in his column for Daily Mail, he explained:

“As for the other semi-finalists? Pakistan will be a threat. Their bowling is full of natural wicket-takers and is their huge strength. In players like Babar Azam, they have some high quality batters but Haris Rauf and Shaheen Shah Afridi can blow opponents away.”

Pakistan are currently the No.1 ranked ODI side in the ICC rankings.

Stuart Broad Picks New Zealand over Australia as favourites for ICC World Cup 2023

Stuart Broad further went on to choose New Zealand over Australia as his semi-finalists for the ICC World Cup 2023. He pointed out how Kiwis bring their best out in tournaments. He added:

“I’d then probably say New Zealand over Australia. Why? Because, New Zealand are the ultimate tournament team. Put their team sheets next to each other and you’d always lean towards the Aussies with Steve Smith, David Warner, Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, but New Zealand just find a way.”

Stuart Broad has picked India, England, Pakistan, and New Zealand as his semi-finalists for the World Cup 2023 and the hosts as the favorites to win the trophy.

Meanwhile, New Zealand will play the tournament opener against England on 5th October. They were runners-up in the last ICC World Cup.