As fans enjoy the high-voltage matches of the T20 World Cup 2024 that began over the weekend, several former players and cricket experts have predicted their semi-finalists and finalists for the mega event.
Former Australian opener Matthew Hayden and former England all-rounder Paul Collingwood are also among the veterans who recently shared their thoughts on who they think could make it to the final of the tournament being played in the United States and the West Indies.
Speaking to Indian media, Hayden said he believes India and Australia will reach the final, while Collingwood backed England and co-hosts West Indies to fight for the trophy.
Earlier, former Indian batsman Yuvraj Singh also predicted the finalists of the T20 World Cup 2024 to be played in the United States and West Indies.
Yuvraj, who was part of India's T20 World Cup-winning team in 2007, believes two teams from India, West Indies or Pakistan will reach the final. Besides, he hoped not to see Australia.
“I hope India, probably the West Indies. Pakistan three and no Australians (laughs),” Yuvraj said during an event in the United States.
Yuvraj was earlier named ambassador for the T20 World Cup and the former Indian batsman is backing his team to claim the tournament, but only if they believe in themselves.
“I think we have confidence in ourselves to win big tournaments. I think if India believes, backs themselves and plays to their own strengths, I am sure they will go all the way. And that's what I believe in,” Yuvraj. he said quoted by Indian media.
“I think that's the reason we won. We focused on where and how we are good and the things we need to do instead of thinking about where the opponent was going to hurt us. We have the winners of the game.”
It is worth noting that 55 matches will be played at nine different venues in the West Indies and USA during the T20 World Cup 2024.
The venues in the West Indies are Kensington Oval, Barbados; Brian Lara Cricket Academy, Trinidad; Providence Stadium, Guyana; Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, Antigua; Darren Sammy Cricket Ground, Saint Lucia; Arnos Vale Stadium, Saint Vincent.
Meanwhile, three venues will host the games in the United States: Eisenhower Park, New York; Lauderhill, Florida; and Grand Prairie, Texas.
World T20 2024 groups
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
