Massive prediction: 'South Africa to win the 2027 ODI World Cup'

Former England captain Michael Vaughan has backed South Africa to win the 2027 World Cup after their commanding displays in the ongoing ODI series against England. Posting on X after the Proteas’ batting effort at Lord’s, Vaughan wrote: “South Africa to win the World Cup in 2027 me thinks …” The comment came as Matthew Breetzke continued his remarkable start in international cricket. The 26-year-old opener struck 85 in the second ODI at Lord’s on Thursday, becoming the first batsman in ODI history to begin his career with five successive fifties or more. His innings lifted South Africa to 330/8 after they had slipped to 93/3. Breetzke shared a 147-run stand with Tristan Stubbs, who sored 58, to muscle back control over the clash. Dewald Brevis chipped in with 42 more to keep the pressure on England’s bowlers. Jofra Archer led England's attack with figures of 4/62, while Adil Rashid finished with 2/33 from his 10 overs. Breetzke, who had already registered 150 on his debut and 88 in Australia, brought up his half-century in just 57 balls, attacking the boundary with five fours and three sixes before falling to a Archer yorker. His five-match run saw him score yielded 463 runs at a blistering average of 92.6. The performance followed South Africa’s crushing seven-wicket victory in the first ODI at Headingley, where England were bowled out for just 131. Keshav Maharaj (4/22) and Wiaan Mulder (3/33) dismantled the hosts before the chase was completed inside 21 overs. With back-to-back dominant displays, the Proteas have not only taken control of the series but also drawn high praise from one of England’s most influential voices and former skipper.Vaughan's comment, which is a bold prediction ahead of the 2027 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup, only adds to the expectations from this side. The tournament will be staged in South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia in October and November.