'Yea kya bol dia'- Fans react as Vivian Richards picks his leading wicket-taker for ODI World Cup 2023

Former West Indies batter Sir Vivian Richards made his prediction for the leading wicket-taker in the much-awaited ODI World Cup 2023. He picked Pakistan’s left-arm pacer Shaheen Afridi to finish at the top of the bowling charts during the tournament.

The left-arm pacer will lead the Pakistani's attack in both the Asia Cup and the ODI World Cup later this year. 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.

The leading wicket-taker in the World Cup will be Shaheen Afridi: Vivian Richards

In a video posted on the Cricket Governing Body's official Instagram handle, Viv Richards highlighted Shaheen Afridi‘s growth and development, which made him a standout performer in the tournament. He said, "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. highly determined individual. He is my man."

He was also part of the recently concluded three-match ODI series between Pakistan and Afghanistan, which they won 3-0. Shaheen had finished as the leading wicket-taker, picking six wickets in three matches at an average of 16.33. The 23-year-old in 27 Test matches, 39 ODIs, and 52 T20Is, securing 105, 76, and 64 wickets, respectively.

They first play against the Netherlands on October 6, Pakistan will play two warm-up fixtures against New Zealand and Australia. The matches will be played on September 29 and October 3.

Earlier South African all-rounder had predicted England’s white-ball skipper Jos Buttler as the most run-getter during the marquee tournament. He also predicted Indian opener Shubman Gill as his ‘Young Player of the upcoming 2023 ODI World Cup.’ The young batter has been the highest run scorer and has also risen to the top 4 ODI batters in the world in just a few months.

Last week, New Zealand pacer, Tim Southee at the CEAT Cricket Rating Award event, also mentioned the expertise of Shaheen Afridi and Trent Boult, acknowledging their ability to trouble batsmen consistently throughout their careers.

Here's how fans reacted

The eagle 🇵🇰❤

— Wali Rehman (@walirehman903) August 29, 2023

Think shadab khan will be in top 3!

— The Second Act (@WahSaeenWah) August 29, 2023

If Sir Viv Richards picks then Shaheen will be in Top 3 Wicket Taker for sure !!

— Renu K 🌺 (@Talk2Rinki) August 29, 2023

For Every Shaheen, there is one Virat Kohli

— 🦅 (@Hustler4CSK) August 29, 2023

I tend to agree, as he gets pretty good swing in the first 10 overs! pic.twitter.com/gWgKdvCzsp

— Sammy Alex M. (@alexcrypto22) August 29, 2023

Shaheen Afridi is a new ball bowler, how can he lead the chart.. Not possible in 50 overs game.

— Satya Prakash (@Satya_Prakash08) August 29, 2023

He’s the most lethal left handed bowler in the world.



Bumrah and Shaheen will have a nice little contest in this #AsiaCup2023

— Apurv Anand (@apurv_anand) August 29, 2023

Its a very surprising 😮 may be due to some financial commitments with PCB

— Manoj Kumar 🕉️🇮🇳 (@manoj_begu) August 29, 2023