Former Australia cricketer Matthew Hayden has shared his predictions for the semi-finalists of the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024, which will be co-hosted by the United States and the West Indies.
During a discussion with Star Sports, Hayden named India, England, Australia, and South Africa as his top picks to reach the semi-finals.
"My final four are going to be Australia, India, England, and South Africa," Hayden stated.
Hayden, who served as Pakistan team’s mentor in 2022 T20 World Cup, also expressed his confidence in Pakistan's cricket team for the mega event.
“Pakistan are always the dark horse when it comes to a World Cup. Their fast bowling stocks are amazing with Shaheen Shah Afridi & Naseem Shah, who wasn't available for selection in the last World Cup. That's a big comeback. With Mohammad Amir & Haris Rauf, they form a pretty strong pace attack," Hayden said.
"The big three that is Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan & Fakhar Zaman. Their biggest chink is always going to be their fielding. Hopefully, it won't diminish their performances this year. They're a solid team and certainly a team to watch out for in the T20 World Cup 2024," he concluded.
The tournament kicks off on June 1, with the USA, one of the hosts, playing against Canada.
Teams will be divided into four groups, with the top two from each group progressing to the Super Eight stage. The Super Eight will then be divided into two groups, and the leading two teams from each will advance to the semi-finals.
Groups for T20 World Cup 2024
Group A: India, Pakistan, Ireland, Canada, United States
Group B: England, Australia, Namibia, Scotland, Oman
Group C: New Zealand, West Indies, Afghanistan, Uganda, Papua New Guinea
Group D: South Africa, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Netherlands, Nepal