'Beat India and you will win the World Cup' - Michael Vaughan makes bold prediction ahead of England's opener

Michael Vaughan believes that if defending champions England and India reach the 2023 World Cup semifinals, they will be formidable and no team would want to face them in the last four.

The former England skipper also noted that India's strong performance in the lead-up to the tournament, including winning the Asia Cup 2023 and the bilateral ODI series against Australia, has made them firm favourites for the global event.

MORE: Full Cricket World Cup 2023 fixtures & results | Bet on CWC 2023 matches here!

What did Michael Vaughan say about India?

He also alluded to the fact that home teams have been winning the tournament for the past three editions and hailed India as the favourites not only because they are playing in home conditions but also due to their ability to handle pressure.

"With India it is always can they cope with the pressure? Just look at the last three World Cups. India won on home soil in 2011, Australia did the same in 2015 and England in 2019. It has been a common trend the home team has gone on to win the World Cup so everyone expects India to do so. I don’t think they will disappoint. Any team who beat India in a semi-final will win the World Cup," he wrote in his column for The Telegraph.

However, Vaughan believes that India do have a chink in their armour as they have only Ravindra Jadeja in their batting line who is a left-hander.

"England and India are the two teams nobody else wants to face in a semi-final. India have everything required to win a World Cup but I would be concerned about the lack of left-handers. They only really have Ravindra Jadeja in that first seven. There is no Rishabh Pant, who is a free spirit, which is a big blow. But the seamers are world class and the spinners, too," he added.

Which TV channel in India will telecast ENG vs NZ?

Star Sports Network has acquired the rights to broadcast the ICC ODI World Cup 2023. The first match of the ODI World Cup 2023 will be broadcast live in multiple languages (English, Hindi, and Vernacular) across the Star Sports Network. 

MORE: How to watch opening ceremony of Cricket World Cup 2023? Date, Time, Venue Details and various performers?

Where will ENG vs NZ be live streamed?

The live streaming of the match between England and New Zealand will be on Disney+ Hotstar. All the mobile users would be able to view the World Cup opener for free of cost on the Disney+ Hotstar mobile app.

Who will win ENG vs NZ?

According to the Dafabet, the following are the odds for this Cricket World Cup 2023 match.

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