Australian spinner names Pakistan amongst his finalists for T20 World Cup

Australian spinner Nathan Lyon has confidently predicted the finalists for the upcoming T20 World Cup 2024, asserting that Australia and Pakistan will face off in the tournament’s decisive match. 

Speaking to Prime Video Sport Australia, Lyon, who has claimed 560 international wickets, shared his thoughts on the competition.

"For the T20 finals team, Australia obviously because I’m quite biased towards them. I think it will be I’m going to go with Pakistan. In those conditions, quality spin bowlers, but also electric batters like Babar Azam,” Lyon said.

He further speculated that the tournament might witness a new record for the highest total in T20 cricket, given the favorable playing conditions in the West Indies and the United States.

"I think early on in the tournament we may see the highest score in T20,” he further added.

The current highest total in T20I cricket is 314-3, set by Nepal against Mongolia at the Asian Games in Hangzhou, China, last year.

Lyon also expressed high hopes for Australian captain Mitchell Marsh, predicting a standout performance with both bat and ball during the tournament. 

“I’m going to go with Mitchell Marsh, I think the power that he has with the bat but also the skill he has with the ball in hand as well. So, go well, Mitch,” Lyon said.

It is worth noting that a total of 20 teams have qualified for the tournament and are divided into four groups of five. The top two teams from each group will advance to the Super Eight round, which will then be split into two groups of four. The top two teams from each Super Eight group will proceed to the semi-finals, with the winners competing in the final.