Kevin Pietersen has backed England to reach the semi-finals of the Cricket World Cup, and says Eoin Morgan’s team will be joined by India, Australia and West Indies.
England, yet to win the 50-over World Cup, made a superb start to the 2019 edition on Thursday when they clinched a 104-run victory over South Africa at The Oval.
Fifties from Ben Stokes, Jason Roy, Joe Root and Eoin Morgan helped the home side post 311-8, before South Africa were skittled out for 207, with Jofra Archer taking three wickets.
Pietersen expects the big three – England, India and Australia – to progress to the knockout stages and says ‘unpredictable’ West Indies could well join them in the semi-finals.
‘My semi-finalists would be India, England, Australia and the West Indies. It’ll be one of those that win,’ said Pietersen, a T20 World Cup winner with England in 2010.
‘Normally Pakistan are the unpredictable team, but this West Indies team is so unpredictable. The way they beat New Zealand was some, some cricket. They’ve picked Andre Russell, he’s in form.
‘Gayle is solidifying the top order, and they have some great youngsters. I just like this West Indies outfit. Will they win? Probably not, but that’s my top four.
‘India and England are probably the favourites, the dark horses are Australia and the unpredictables are West Indies.’
Windies, led by the impressive Jason Holder, hoped to go under the radar in the build-up to their opening game against Pakistan on Friday.
But they found support from another cricket legend, with former South Africa all-rounder saying: ‘West Indies are definitely going to have a say.
‘Andre Russell has taken his game to a new level – he is the all-rounder I would keep an eye on in this World Cup.’
Windies will be hopeful of beating a Pakistan side who were thumped 4-0 by pre-tournament favourites England earlier in the month.
