'The Indian team is too far ahead at the moment…': Raina ahead of clash vs PAK

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The ODI World Cup 2027 is set to be co-hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia. The mega tournament is set to begin from October 2 next year.

Team India will begin the campaign with a clash against Australia on October 7 at the Newlands Cricket Ground in Cape Town.

The biggest clash of the tournament, which will be played between arch-rivals India and Pakistan, will be played on October 10 at the Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg.

Ahead of the match, former all-rounder Suresh Raina said that Team India is far ahead of Pakistan, considering the fearless approach the “Men in Blue” have adopted. He also feels that Team India has bowlers who can handle the pressure well.

“The Indian team is too far ahead at the moment, in all departments. The way players have improved, the fearless approach they are batting with, and their aggressive style, I don’t think it’s like ever before. But India-Pakistan definitely brings more awareness for the fans, but I think the Indian team is far superior right now. It’s a World Cup game, Pakistan will also have support in South Africa, but I think we have that quality team, bowlers with good pace and bounce who can handle pressure well,” he said on JioStar.

The former cricketer is also hopeful of Team India winning the third ODI World Cup title.

“1983, 2011, and hopefully, 2027, I think it’s time to bring the third. The team will have the wishes and the prayers of our 1.4 billion population in India. And, I think they will win that Pakistan game comfortably,” said Raina.

Earlier, a grand ceremony in Johannesburg unveiled the 12 venues that will host next year’s ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup, with eight venues in South Africa, three in Zimbabwe and one in Namibia’s capital Windhoek selected as tournament locations.

ODI World Cup 2027: Venues for the mega event

South Africa will host games at Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg, SuperSport Park in Centurion, Newlands Cricket Ground in Cape Town, Kingsmead Cricket Ground in Durban, St George’s Park in Gqeberha, Mangaung Oval in Bloemfontein, Boland Park in Paarl and Buffalo Park in KuGompo City (formerly East London), according to the ICC website.

Zimbabwe will stage matches at Harare Sports Club in Harare, Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo and Fale Mosi-oa-Tunya International Cricket Stadium in Victoria Falls, while Namibia’s capital Windhoek will host games at the Namibia Cricket Ground.

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