Murali predicts India-England final at Cricket World Cup

Former Sri Lankan spinner Muttiah Muralitharan has predicted that hosts India will face England in the final of the Cricket World Cup, later this year. 

Muralitharan and former Indian batsman Virender Sehwag were invited to launch the 2023 World Cup in Mumbai today. 

The tournament will be played from October 5 to November 19.

"England is now playing really well. They are even playing Test cricket as ODIs. My view is that India and England will play the final," Muralitharan said. 

However, Muralitharan wishes to see India take on Pakistan in the final on November 19 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. 

"Pakistan is also a good team but unpredictable. On any day, they can still play an exciting game. Personally, I would like to see India and Pakistan play the final and fans be entertained" he said. 

Sehwag tipped India, Pakistan, England and Australia to be the semi-finalists and predicted a final between India and Pakistan. (Bipin Dani)