Table of Contents
In the buildup to the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024, Shahid Afridi, the celebrated Pakistan cricket icon, has shared his forecast for the tournament’s semifinalists. Scheduled to unfold in the United States of America (USA) and the West Indies from June 1 to June 29, this global cricket extravaganza has the cricketing world buzzing with anticipation.
Shahid Afridi’s semi-finalists for the T20 World Cup 2024
Afridi, who was the Player of the Tournament in the inaugural edition in 2007, shared his insights on the teams he believes will make it to the semifinals of the upcoming T20 mega event. The legendary all-rounder has placed his bets on some traditional powerhouses along with a sides that has recently emerged as a strong side irrespective of the conditions for the highly anticipated tournament.
Speaking to ICC, Afridi believed that the Pakistan cricket team, who have recently announced their side for the shortest format world cup under the leadership of Babar Azam, has the potential to reach the final of the upcoming global showpiece event. Afridi also backed India and Australia to secure their slots in the top four and reach the semi-finals. For the final place in the top four, Afridi placed his bet on New Zealand, whom he believed will perform well in the tournament, considering their adaptability to various conditions.
“I feel Pakistan should play in the final. I will go with Australia, India and in those conditions i will go with New Zealand,” Afridi said.
Also READ: Graeme Swann names the semifinalists of the T20 World Cup 2024
Historical context and group placements
While India, Pakistan, and Australia have clinched the T20 World Cup trophy once, New Zealand have yet to win, having fallen short in the final of the T20 World Cup 2021 against Australia. All these four sides have already announced their teams, which are filled with champion players.
India and Pakistan are placed in Group A for the league stage, while Australia is in Group B and New Zealand in Group C. India will kick off their campaign against Ireland on June 5, Pakistan will open their account against the USA on June 6, Australia will first face Oman on June 6, while New Zealand will meet Afghanistan on June 8.
