Imran Tahir Picks 2027 World Cup Semifinalists; India Included, Pakistan Out

India vs Pakistan during 2023 World Cup | Source- AFPThe ODI World Cup 2027 is less than a year away, and the buzz around the marquee event has already started to peak. Meanwhile, former South African spinner Imran Tahir has picked his four favourites for the semifinal spots. The champion leg-spinner, still a prolific asset in franchise cricket, played three ODI World Cups for South Africa but retired from the ODI format after his final outing in the megaevent. Imran Tahir picks India, SA, Australia, England as top-four for WC 2027While talking to ANI and sharing his thoughts about the World Cup 2027, which will be co-hosted by South Africa, Imran Tahir picked them as one of the favourites for a semifinal spot.Among Tahir’s other semifinalists are the finalists from the last edition, India and Australia. Notably, the Pat Cummins-led side demolished the perfect-looking Indian unit, under Rohit Sharma, in the 2023 ODI World Cup final at Ahmedabad.ALSO READSitanshu Kotak Leaves Mohammed Shami's India Comeback Decision To BCCI SelectorsThe Pakistan-born cricketer left the Men in Green out of his list. And rightly so, as they haven’t made it to the semifinals of an ODI World Cup since 2011 in India, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka."India, England, Australia, and South Africa—these are the four teams I expect to advance. I believe this World Cup presents a massive opportunity for South Africa to win the title. If not them, then I’d go with Australia; they have a strong team and are performing very well right now," Imran Tahir told ANI. ANI @ANI #WATCH | Dubai: Sharing his views on the South African cricket team, former South African player Imran Tahir says, "It shows that they are playing very well. South Africa has always been blessed with good players and young talent. Winning the Test Championship away from home and Oct 8, 2026, 11:15 PM Close fighting going on among top teams in preparation for 2027 WCAs of now, India are the top-ranked side in the latest ICC rankings, with 115 rating points. The next on the list is New Zealand, who won't make it to the 2027 World Cup semifinal, according to Imran Tahir. However, the Blackcaps somehow find a way to perform well in the ICC events, reaching at least the semifinal stage thrice in the last four editions. South Africa, with 104 rating points, and Australia (102 points) are placed third and fourth on the ICC ODI Team Rankings, closely followed by Pakistan on fifth position with 100 points. Nevertheless, aside from two co-hosts, India, Australia, New Zealand, Pakistan, England, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan have qualified for the 2027 World Cup, with three spots still open in the 13-team tournament. ALSO READPakistan vs Sri Lanka Live Streaming, 1st T20I Live Telecast- Where to Watch PAK vs SL 2026 Live On TV, OTT, App?