Ganguly hoping for an India, Pakistan semi-final in Kolkata

Former Indian cricketer, Sourav Ganguly, is hoping for an India versus Pakistan World Cup semi-final at Eden Gardens, Kolkata.

Currently, India holds the top position on the points table and has secured a spot in the semi-finals. Meanwhile, Pakistan has managed to stay in contention for a semi-final berth with noteworthy performances in their recent group stage matches against Bangladesh and New Zealand.

Ganguly, in a conversation with an Indian news channel, conveyed his wish for Pakistan to qualify for the semi-finals, emphasizing the significance of an India-Pakistan clash in this crucial stage of the tournament.

"I want Pakistan to qualify for semi-finals here [Kolkata], because there can’t be a bigger semi-final than India versus Pakistan," Ganguly said.

After India’s convincing victory over Pakistan in Ahmedabad earlier in the tournament, Ganguly had opined that it would be challenging for Pakistan to mount a comeback, citing concerns about their batting performance.

"This Pakistan team can’t handle the pressure during the batting. It will be hard for Pakistan to come back in this World Cup with this batting," Ganguly had said.

Regardless of Pakistan's final standing in the points table, if they secure a semi-final spot, the match will be held in Kolkata on November 16.