Pakistan Legend Wasim Akram has backed India, Australia and Pakistan to reach the semi-finals of the upcoming 20-20 World Cup in Australia. The eighth edition of the tournament is all set to begin from 16th October where 16 cricketing nations will battle it out for the coveted title.
Australia, being the hosts, are the hot favourites to retain the title. However, the Aussies will face tough competition from other sides such as India, Pakistan, New Zealand, England, and South Africa. Pakistan legend has touted the two Asian cricketing nations- India and Pakistan to play the knockout phase along with Australia as the other favourites.
As the T20 extravaganza is close to commencing in less than a week, fans and pundits have begun analyzing the top sides to reach the semis. Akram too expressed his opinion on the teams that can make it to the semi-finals.
“For the semifinals, what I would like to see is Australia, India and Pakistan. But South Africa could be a dark horse,” Akram told to the media in Dubai.
While it seems obvious to pick the defending champions to go further in the knockout rounds along with Pakistan and Rohit Sharma-led India, picking South Africa seemed like an interesting choice. Currently, South Africa are in the midst of a turmoil as they recently lost the three-match T20I series 1-2 to India away from home. Skipper Temba Bavuma will be under a lot of pressure considering his string of dismal performances and will be under scrutiny in the forthcoming tournament in Australia.
Pakistan in recent years have performed exceedingly well and have the potential to give other teams a run for their money. On the other hand, team India do not go in any tournament without being called as one of the favourites and hence, it will be interesting to see if Akram’s statements turn out to be true.
India and Pakistan lock horns in their opening encounter of the tournament on 23rd October at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.
