Basit Ali predicts his semi-finalists for T20 World Cup 2024

Former Pakistan cricketer Basit Ali 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.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Basit identified Pakistan, India, Sri Lanka, and Afghanistan as his top four teams to watch.

"Pakistan, India, Sri Lanka, and Afghanistan are my four teams," Basit said.

The former cricketer emphasized Pakistan's potential advantage with the national team's skipper Babar Azam opening the innings.

"Pakistan will benefit if Babar will open. I don't know who has given him advise to bat at No.3," he said.

"He should be the one batting through and not worry about the strike rate. Pakistan's middle-order now have hard hitters but the base at the top must be great," he added.

Pakistan's journey begins in Dallas, where they will take on co-host USA on June 6, followed by matches against India on June 9 and Canada on June 12 in New York. Their final league match against Ireland is slated for June 16 in Florida.

Pakistan Squad for T20 World Cup 2024: Babar Azam (C), Saim Ayub, Mohammad Rizwan, Azam Khan, Shadab Khan, Fakhar Zaman, Usman Khan, Iftikhar Ahmed, Imad Wasim, Abrar Ahmed, Mohammad Abbas Afridi, Mohammad Amir, Naseem Shah, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Haris Rauf.

Pakistan’s schedule of matches:

• 6 June – vs USA, Grand Prairie Cricket Stadium, Dallas
• 9 June – vs India, Nassau County International Cricket Stadium, New York
• 11 June – vs Canada, Nassau County International Cricket Stadium, New York
• 16 June – vs Ireland, Central Broward Park & Broward County Stadium, Lauderhill, Florida