Exclusive! ICC Cricket World Cup 2023: Muttiah Muralitharan reveals which team will be dark horse in the tournament

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Former Sri Lanka cricketer Muttiah Muralitharan reckons India, Australia, and England are looking as semi-final favourites in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 but one cannot predict the winner for that is the beauty of this game.

The legendary Sri Lankan spinner, who has played three World Cup finals, was part of the 1996 World Cup-winning side at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore when a spirited and determined band of Lankan Lions led by Arjuna Ranatunga scripted history.

Cricket World Cup 2023 Favourites & Dark Horse

Muralitharan, in an exclusive interview with MyKhel, stated India, England and Australia are looking in fine touch and can be the title favourites but he also cautioned the teams of a resurgent South Africa in the tournament.

When asked which team, according to him, will be the dark horse in this CWC 2023, the legendary cricketer - who has picked up 1200 international wickets - said, "I think this year, South Africa will be the dark horse because they've started playing well."

South Africa registered an emphatic 102-run win over Sri Lanka in their tournament opener after posting a mammoth 428 for the loss of five wickets in the allotted 50 overs and sent an early warning signal to the opposition.

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When asked about the Rohit Sharma-led Indian side's chances of making it to the World Cup finals because they are playing at home and home teams winning the last three quadrennial competitions, Muralitharan backed India but added it is still very hard to predict a clear favourite.

"It is really hard to say. But India has a better chance because they are playing at home. The public is going to support them in large numbers. That is an advantage they have and they are also a very good side. But to win the World Cup, you also need luck in your favour.

"But you can't predict any side because, in 1996, nobody expected us to win (the WC). But favourites if I say looking at their current form, then India, Australia, England (and the fourth team could be anyone that plays well in the tournament)," the spin-wizard added further.

CWC 2023: The Dew Factor

Speaking about the impact of the dew factor on the result in the World Cup, and whether this tournament will be remembered as the bowlers' bane, particularly spinners, the 51-year-old advised to wait for some games before taking any decision.

Murali said, "It's really hard to say for now. You can't predict the weather and the pitch conditions. Once you watch how the games are progressing for the first 10-15 games, only then we'll be able to understand or make an opinion."