Ben Stokes gives witty reply when questioned about a potential India-Pakistan final

Ben Stokes (Source; Twitter)

The semi-finalists of the 20-20 World Cup have been confirmed with Pakistan and New Zealand facing each other on Wednesday and then India and England squaring off against each other on Thursday. They semis will be held at the Sydney Cricket Ground and at Adelaide Oval respectively.

Ahead of the semi-final featuring India and England, An Indian journalist posed a quirky question to Ben Stokes about a potential India and Pakistan final considering that the two teams from Asia had made it to the knockouts of the 20-20 World Cup 2022 and if England will throw a spanner in the works in what could be a mouth- watering clash.

This was Ben Stokes' witty reply where he said, "Great news for you guys if it's the India vs Pakistan final. Look, I don't know, we are just here to hopefully win on Thursday", he said. He was also asked about Virat Kohli, the former India captain who had battled a run of poor form. To which Stokes replied, "He has earned the right to never be written off. You don't produce the numbers and innings, he has done in all three formats", Stokes said.

New Zealand and Pakistan will face off in the first semi final

India won their last fixture against Zimbabwe by 71 runs to top their group having got four wins from five games. The Men in Blue set a target of 186-5 in 20 overs and then they skittled out Zimbabwe for just a 115 with Ravichandran Ashwin picking up 3-22 in his four overs. 

On the other hand, Pakistan won a close semi-final against Bangladesh courtesy fast knocks from Mohammad Harris who scored 31 off 18 balls with two fours and one six and Shaan Masood who scored 24 off 14 balls with two fours which helped Pakistan get to Bangladesh’s target of 127 in 18.1 overs.

The first semi- final will be held at the Sydney Cricket Ground between Pakistan and New Zealand, Pakistan will be gunning for a second 20-20 World Title and New Zealand will want to go one step further than the last time when they faltered against Australia in the final of the 20-20 World Cup of 2021 against Australia.