Dominic Cork predicts his ICC T20 World Cup 2024 semifinalists, finalists

Former England cricketer Dominic Cork has predicted his semifinalists and finalists for the upcoming ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2024 set to take place in the USA and West Indies next month. 

In a recent interview with a local sports platform, Cork highlighted his picks for the top contenders and his thoughts on the tournament's potential outcomes.

"I think England, Pakistan, India, and Australia will be the top four semi-finalists. As for the winner, I'm leaning towards England. However, I'd like to see an England vs Pakistan final again and see if England can achieve back-to-back wins like they did in Australia," Dominic said.

Cork praised England's recent performances, especially considering the return of several players from the Indian Premier League (IPL), providing them with valuable T20 experience. Similarly, he commended Pakistan's resilience, referencing their comeback after a defeat in Ireland and highlighting their well-rounded team under the leadership of Gary Kirsten and Babar Azam.

"It's a challenge for both teams, I think they are both strong teams, England a lot of players have come from the IPL so would have played a lot of T20 Cricket, same as with Pakistan they have come after the PSL and then they went to Ireland lost that first one, but they came back and played well, they are a very well matched side and conditions here would suit England a little bit because of the cold weather and the rain, but I think Pakistan led now by Gary Kirsten and Babar Azam, people questioning him as a captain and I think he's an excellent captain and he's one of the best players you can have," he said.

Reflecting on the growth of cricket in Pakistan, Cork commended the Pakistan Super League (PSL) as one of the premier T20 competitions globally, showcasing top-tier talent and attracting international players. 

He also expressed optimism about potential expansions in the league, anticipating that additional teams would provide more opportunities for local players to shine on the global stage.

"What I like is the fact that when cricket went back to Pakistan a few years ago and I think it's great to see that I think PSL is up there with one of the best T20 competitions in the World and you know the IPL is there and Big Bash, but you see the quality of PSL you see the quality of overseas players that they bring in as well, it is a great league and it is great to commentate as well," he said.

"I think it will do what I am reading in the press and around is that they are going to get the teams uh maybe eight teams I am hearing maybe they are taking some of the games to England maybe, which could be exciting for the people hear to be able to watch Pakistan Super League, but I think two more teams will work out well, I think when they introduced five teams to six teams, it worked because there is so much quality and so many talented local players in Pakistan that it will allow them to showcase their skills on the big screen," he concluded.

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.