(Credit Reuters)
Former cricketers Misbah-ul-Haq and Irfan Pathan recently shared their insights on the top contenders for the upcoming T20 World Cup 2024, scheduled to kick off on June 2nd in the United States of America and the Caribbean, culminating in the final match on June 30th.
With all teams having arrived in the USA and the Caribbean, intense preparations are underway for the tournament. Featuring a total of 20 teams, this event promises to be exceptionally thrilling, marking the largest participation in its history.
Anticipation is particularly high for the India-Pakistan clash scheduled for June 9th at the Nassau County Cricket Stadium in New York, with fans eagerly awaiting this monumental showdown.
Predictions for the tournament are already rife, with fans and pundits alike speculating on the top four teams and the eventual winner. Adding his voice to the discussion, former Pakistan captain Misbah-ul-Haq has tipped Australia as the likely victors, citing their knack for clinching victories. With a touch of humor, Misbah-ul-Haq cheekily named Pakistan as the second favorite, quipping that backing them is essential if he wishes to remain in Pakistan. Speaking on Star Sports, he elaborated on his predictions.
“The safest bet I think would be Australia. They know how to win. Whatever may be the condition. They come to Asia and win by playing with just one spinner.
“You can’t write of Australia from any World Cup. The second team is very difficult. Humein Pakistan mein rehna hai, toh Pakistan ko back karna hoga. India ka team badi strong hai, sara kuch hai.”
The good thing about the Indian team now is that they will get a chance to be in form before the Super 8 – Irfan Pathan
Irfan Pathan, contributing to the discussion, highlighted India’s advantageous game schedule, noting that they will have ample opportunities to find their form against associate nations before advancing to the Super 8 stage.
Pathan emphasized the importance of players like Hardik Pandya and Shivam Dube for the Indian team, underscoring their pivotal roles and the significant contributions they are expected to make.
“The good thing about the Indian team now is that they will get a chance to be in form before the Super 8, as we will play teams who are not at the top level apart from Pakistan. This will give us the opportunity to perform and start feeling good. Once on the big stage, if you start feeling good, it’s a different ball game altogether. I hope this happens.
“Talking about the best finishing options for the Indian squad, I think Hardik Pandya and Shivam Dube will play different roles. Hardik will have a set role to finish the game, and Shivam Dube will play as a floater, at least in the playoffs, acting as an enforcer against the spinners. He will play that kind of role.”
India will play their first game of the World Cup against Ireland on 5th June. After that, they will take on Pakistan on June 9, USA on June 12, and Canada on June 15. The first three games will be played in New York and the last in Lauderhill, Florida.
