Danish Kaneria, former Pakistan leg-spinner has opened up on which teams participating in the 2021 T20I WC could make it to the final of the upcoming T20 World Cup. Groups for the showpiece event were drawn on Friday and there are some interesting match-ups to watch out for.
Group A can be considered the ‘Group of Death’ with the likes of West Indies, Australia, England, and South Africa in it. However, Danish Kaneria believes the way West Indies have thumped Australia 4-1 in the T20I series, they will be one of the favorites to make it to the final.
Speaking to India News, Danish Kaneria also backed England to give defending champions 2016 T20I World Cup winner West Indies strong competition and make it to the final. Group B consists of India, Pakistan, New Zealand, and Afghanistan so far. Danish Kaneria had no hesitation in stating that India is overwhelming favorites from this group to make it to the final.
“If I look at Group 1, the way West Indies have formed their team and the way they are playing against Australia, they are strong contenders. Between West Indies and England I think one team will make it to the final.
“In Group 2, India have quality cricketers and all-rounders. IPL 2021 phase two will happen before the T20 World Cup so it will favour India make it to the final because the players will be in touch,” Danish Kaneria stated.
Evin Lewis’ sparkling display with the bat (79 off 34 balls) and scintillating fielding give West Indies a 4-1 margin over Australia with a 16 run win in the 5th T20I. West Indies won the 1st T20I by 18 runs with Andre Russell scoring 51 runs and Obed McCoy taking 4 scalps.
West Indies won the 2nd T20I by 56 runs with Shimron Hetmyer(61) and Hayden Walsh(3/29) contributing. West Indies successfully chased 142 in the 3rd with Chris Gayle scoring 67. Lendl Simmons’ 72 went in vain as Australia won the 4th with only 4 runs. Mitchell Marsh amassed maximum- 219 runs besides taking 8 scalps while Hayden Walsh picked 12 wickets.
Danish Kaneria: From The Commercial Point Of View India And Pakistan Match Would Generate A Lot Of Revenue
India and Pakistan have once again been drawn in the same group for the T20 World Cup and Danish Kaneria feels it is an exciting moment for fans from both countries. As India and Pakistan don’t play bilateral cricket against each other, their encounters in ICC events are always highly anticipated. Danish Kaneria feels the match will also help the ICC financially as viewership increases in India-Pakistan games and it makes a difference in the revenue generated.
“India-Pakistan games and viewed more than the Ashes. India and Pakistan are not playing bilateral series. So people wait with anticipation for the times when these two teams meet in ICC events. From the commercial point of view this would also generate a lot of revenue,” Danish Kaneria signed off.
India and Pakistan have not played the Test series for more than 14 years. As far as bilateral series in ODIs and T20Is are concerned, it has been over eight years. While they face off each other during ICC events and Asia Cup. The political tension between the two neighbouring countries flared up after the terror attack in Mumbai’s Taj Hotel.
Pakistan and India’s last bilateral ties at either of the two neighbouring countries were 2 T20Is and 3 ODIs in India way back in 2012.