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Former Indian fast bowler Zaheer Khan and ex-England captain Michael Vaughan have shared their insights on the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup 2024 final between India and South Africa. Both cricketing personalities anticipate an enthralling showdown at the Kensington Oval in Barbados on Saturday, June 29. They acknowledge the impressive consistency displayed by both teams, who have remained undefeated leading up to the highly anticipated summit clash.
Zaheer Khan and Michael Vaughan predictions set the stage for the thrilling ICC T20 World Cup 2024 Final
The former Indian World Cup champion emphasized that the victor of this year’s T20 World Cup will maintain an unblemished record, highlighting the exceptional resilience and tactical acumen exhibited by both finalists. Zaheer Khan pointed out that the Indian team enjoys a slight edge due to their seasoned experience, especially in managing intense and crucial matches, having featured in several finals in recent times.
He highlighted that several members of Team India’s recent ODI World Cup 2023 squad are now part of the T20 World Cup 2024 team, which could provide them with an advantage going into the title match.
Conversely, the former Indian pacer emphasized that the South African cricket team might find themselves under significant pressure during the final against India. This is primarily due to their lack of experience in competing in such high-stakes matches on the global platform.
India will have edge over South Africa: Zaheer Khan
He said that this is a big advantage for the Men in Blue, and due to this, Zaheer reckons Rohit Sharma and Co. will lift the T20 World Cup in 2024. Notably, India has not won an ICC title since their ICC Champions Trophy win in 2013.
Zaheer Khan said on Cricbuzz Live: “First thing, the winner this time is going to be undefeated through their journey, which makes a perfect setting for the finals. Both these teams have been consistent in finding ways to win matches throughout the tournament. Both these teams, when you’re looking at on paper, they’re very, very strong teams.India may be having that edge, having that experience. South Africa will be feeling that pressure at some stage in the game, no matter what, because this is their first finals. So that pressure is always going to be there. But for India, it’s something which they’ve just seen in the 50-over World Cup. If you look at most of the guys from that team is also here. So that is going to be an advantage because you know what to expect.”
South Africa will make it very difficult for India: Michael Vaughan on T20 World Cup 2024 Final
Meanwhile, Michael Vaughan highlighted the strengths of the South African team ahead of the T20 World Cup 2024 final in Barbados. Vaughan emphasized the IPL successes of players like Aidan Markram, Quinton de Kock, David Miller, Tristan Stubbs, and Heinrich Klaasen, which have bolstered their confidence against India’s formidable bowling attack.
In contrast to England’s performance in the semifinals, Vaughan suggested that South Africa, with their strong lineup and recent form, wouldn’t capitulate easily. He predicted a tough challenge for India in the final, expecting South Africa to bring their best and pose a formidable obstacle in India’s quest to lift the T20 World Cup trophy.
Michael Vaughan said during the same discussion on Cricbuzz Live: “If you look at South Africa, they have a lot of players with IPL experience. So, all that engine room of batters for South Africa, they’ve all had success against the Indian bowlers in the IPL. So, they should go into that game with confidence. I don’t think they’ll put on a show like we’ve just seen in England. I think South Africa will make it very difficult for India.”
