Former Indian cricketer Mohammad Kaif predicted the semi-finalists of the upcoming T20 World Cup 2024 which will be played in the United States and West Indies from June 1.
India and Pakistan are placed in Group A of the World Cup and the two will lock horns on June 9 in New York. Kaif, who represented India in 138 official matches, is not counting another match between the two as he is seeing a final between the arch-rivals in West Indies.
“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 of finals then it will be great, India vs Pakistan finals why not.”
India and Pakistan have played a total of seven matches together in T20 World Cups where the Blues emerged victorious six times while the Green Shirts’ only victory came in 2021.
Kaif believes that India have a better squad than the one they had in 2022 in Australia when they reached the semi-finals and lost to England.
“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 added.
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