Former Indian cricketer Mohammad Kaif has predicted his semi-finalist teams for the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024, set to be co-hosted by the United States and West Indies.
Kaif anticipates that India, New Zealand, West Indies, and either Australia or Pakistan will reach the semi-finals.
The former cricketer expressed confidence in New Zealand's ability to consistently perform well in ICC events, highlighting their resilience and tendency to secure a spot in the top four.
“Somehow New Zealand find their way to be in the top four, in the ICC events you can’t write them off so add New Zealand. I think West Indies since they’re playing at their home so at home, they might be a dangerous side,” Kaif was quoted as saying by PTI.
“I don’t know maybe Australia or Pakistan one of them can come through. If Pakistan comes then if we meet them in the semis or finals then it will be great, India vs Pakistan finals why not,” he added.
Kaif is optimistic about India's prospects, stating that the current squad is stronger than the one that reached the semi-finals in the 2022 World Cup in Australia.
“We have a much better bowling attack compared to last time, we had Chahal but we couldn’t play him in the first XI. This year we have Kuldeep Yadav, we have Axar Patel, Jadeja, good spinners. All very experienced and wicket-takers they can change the game on their day. Bumrah didn’t play last year, he will be playing I feel he’s going to be a key player in this World Cup,” he said.
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