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As the highly anticipated T20 World Cup 2024 approaches, cricket legends and experts are making their predictions for the semifinalists of the ICC tournament set to take place in the West Indies and the USA. Among their picks, former international cricketers have forecasted that the Indian team, led by Rohit Sharma, will advance to the semifinals.
The Men in Blue last clinched the T20 World Cup title during the inaugural edition in 2007 under the captaincy of the legendary MS Dhoni. In a memorable final, they defeated arch-rivals Pakistan by five runs in Johannesburg. This victory remains India’s only T20 World Cup title to date.
Since then, India has struggled to win another T20 World Cup trophy. They reached the final just once in the subsequent seven editions, losing to Sri Lanka in 2014. The team also faced semifinal exits in 2016 and 2022, and a group-stage exit in 2021. Their most recent setback was a 10-wicket loss to England in Adelaide.
Former International Cricketers Predict T20 World Cup Semi-Finalists
In a video posted by Star Sports on X (formerly Twitter), cricket experts shared their top four predictions for the T20 World Cup. Mohammad Kaif and S Sreesanth identified Pakistan as dark horses, while Sunil Gavaskar included co-hosts West Indies in his list for the tournament’s knockout stage.
– Ambati Rayudu:** India, England, New Zealand, South Africa
– Brian Lara:** India, England, West Indies, Afghanistan
– Paul Collingwood:** England, West Indies, Australia, India
– Sunil Gavaskar:** India, Australia, England, West Indies
– Chris Morris:** India, South Africa, Pakistan, Australia
– Matthew Hayden:** Australia, India, England, South Africa
– Aaron Finch:** India, Australia, England, West Indies
– Mohammad Kaif:** India, Pakistan, Australia, England
– Tom Moody:** Australia, India, South Africa, England
– S Sreesanth:** India, Pakistan, Australia, England
It Would Be This Year- Chris Morris on South Africa Winning the T20 World Cup
Former South African all-rounder Chris Morris pointed out India’s impressive performance in the IPL as a factor behind their inclusion in the top four. Morris also suggested that this could be South Africa’s opportunity to clinch victory. While not discounting Pakistan, he predicted Australia’s presence in the top four as well.
“India would have to be there just because of their form coming in from a big tournament like the IPL. Their players are in good form. So India will be there. I think South Africa. I’ve got a very good chance of getting to the top four. I think if there’s ever been a year that they could win the tournament, it would be this year. I think their players are in good form; they’ve got the right combination of players. Probably always look to potentially not count out Pakistan. Unfortunately. My brain’s telling me that you’ll probably have to look at Australia getting into their top four. They’re in good form, led by a good captain,” Chris Morris said.
The 2024 T20 World Cup is scheduled to host 55 matches spanning from June 1 to June 29. Commencing with an opening match between the USA and Canada in Dallas on June 1, the tournament will proceed with fervor. The semi-finals are slated to occur in Guyana and Trinidad and Tobago on June 26 and June 27 respectively, culminating in the final showdown on June 29 in Barbados.
