New Zealand predicted to win the 2023 Cricket World Cup

Unlike the typical approach of making predictions before an event commences, I am going to give you my takes on the 2023 Cricket World Cup four days into the tournament...

Ben Stokes "apologises" to New Zealand in the 2019 Cricket World Cup final at Lords where a throw hit his bat to give him a bizarre six (Credit: AP Photos)

One Day Cricket: a cricket format that becomes interesting for a short four week period every four years and then seems to be played in the shadows with very little interest paid to it whatsoever.

There are a lot of unknowns heading into this tournament which is perfect for an edition of Ollies Takes where I can make bold predictions with very little substance behind it.

World Cup Preview

New Zealand got their 2023 campaign off to a flyer against a lacklustre England on Thursday and exacted some minor revenge on their controversial loss in the 2019 final.

This year's tournament is hosted in India for the first time (yes they have co-hosted before) and the host nation are the bookies favourite to win the tournament. News outlets that have made this unbiased prediction include IndiaTV, Hindustan Times and India Today.

The Aussies come into the tournament in ordinary form but have the firepower and experience to push deep into the tournament. However, I think such a huge reliance on a few key players will be our ultimate demise and the loss of Travis Head in the lead up to the tournament should not be understated.

South Africa and Pakistan come into the tournament in strong form and will be tough to beat however they are not my pick for the title.

Take #1: Predicted Winner - New Zealand

New Zealand dispatched England in the tournament opener (Credit: Reuters)

It just feels like the Kiwis time.

The Kiwis consistently find themselves with a silver medal, having suffered defats in the final of the 2015 and 2019 World Cup to Australia and England respectively as well as losing the 2021 T20 World Cup Final in Dubai.

A nation that consistently punches above its weight, comes into the tournament in pretty ordinary form having lost recent one day series against England and Pakistan.

Does this worry me? Not in the slightest because the Kiwis always come to play in big tournaments and I am expecting their experience in big games to be important and take down the hosts, India in the final.

The depth of the New Zealand squad is pretty impressive for such a small nation and a player to watch is 23 year old Rachin Ravindra who announced himself on Thursday night scoring an unbeaten 123.

Ravindra has only played 13 ODIs in his career but the 23 year old proved in the lead up games that he is one of New Zealand's most important players.

Take #2: Most Runs - Rohit Sharma

Roohat Sharma will be one of India's most important players during the tournament (Credit: The Sporting News & roo hat google image search)

The Indian cricket captain Rohit Sharma obviously knows the conditions in India well.

The guy is coming into the tournament in decent form.

Much like Virat Kohli, Rohit loves the big stage.

I expect India to progress deep into the tournament.

Therefore, he will make most runs. Cheers.

Take#3: Most Wickets - Adam Zampa

Adam Zampa needs to take a hell of a lot of wickets if the Aussies are any chance to progress deep into the tournament (Credit: Cricket Addictor)

Aussie hopes hang on the performance of a few key players, and with the importance of spin in India, Adam Zampa is undoubtedly one of those players.

Throughout his career, Zampa has come to the party in major tournaments, notably being Australia's leading wicket taker in their victorious 2021 T20 World Cup campaign.

Zamps loves a big moment and boasts an impressive record of performing well in India across several IPL seasons and tours with Australia

Despite the clown swimming into a step in the hotel's swimming pool and almost getting concussed, Zampa appears good to go for Australia's opener tonight against India, beginning his quest to become the tournament's leading wicket taker.

Take #4: Player of the tournament - Shubman Gill

Shubman Gill is in doubt for India's opener against Australia tonight but I expected Gill to find a way to become player of the tournament (Credit: Getty Images)

This guy is a genuine freak with the bat and averages 66 in ODIs. He simply makes runs for fun.

I am going to be honest and disclose that I actually have not followed this man's white ball progress too closely but he's in sizzling form and was predicted by Nick Denny to be player of the tournament so that is enough for me.

Take #5: One to Watch - Matheesha Pathirana

Pathirana and Malinga pose for a photo for a photo during IPL 2023 (Credit: Twitter)

Pathirana has made a name for himself this year particularly during the IPL season where he was spectacular. Pathirana is cut from the same cloth as Lasith Malinga with a slinging bowling technique but just lacks those beautiful blond locks.

Matheesha, at just 20 years of age has quickly become one of Sri Lanka's most important players and is certainly one to watch not just during this tournament, but for many years to come.

Take #6: The Poms are no chance

See you next week for another edition of Ollies Takes.

OT