Aakash Chopra confidently asserts that South Africa may not advance to the 2024 T20 World Cup semifinals. His expectation favors England and the West Indies to outclass the Proteas for the final four berths from Super 8 Group 2.
Apart from South Africa England and the West Indies the United States of America emerges as the fourth team within Group 2; conversely India Australia Afghanistan and Bangladesh constitute the four sides in the alternate group.
In a video posted to his YouTube account, Aakash Chopra predicted that England and the West Indies will likely advance to the semi-finals ahead of South Africa and the USA.
“Who do I feel will qualify from this group? One I feel is Team England, the defending champions. The second I feel is the West Indies. I see these two teams progressing. I feel South Africa might just fall short. The USA can also fall decently short. You might see the West Indies, England, India and Australia as the four teams in the final four.”
While acknowledging South Africa’s strength, the former India opener suggested that Aiden Markram and his team could be less threatening away from New York.
“South Africa is a gun team. They are playing very well. They were a king until they were in New York but have now come out from there. There will be a lot of focus on Tabraiz Shamsi and Keshav Maharaj.”
Aakash Chopra
South Africa won their first three Group C games in New York, followed by a nail-biting one-run victory over Nepal in Saint Vincent. They will meet the United States and the West Indies in Antigua, and England in Saint Lucia, in the Super Eights.
“West Indies are a dangerous team” – Aakash Chopra
Aakash Chopra called the West Indies and England ‘dangerous’ teams.
“West Indies are a dangerous team. This team has depth both in batting and bowling. I see England as a very dangerous team because they have that kind of batting, that kind of depth. Bowling is okay, okay but no one can match their batting. They are actually very explosive and they have the depth.”
Aakash Chopra
The reputable expert does not expect the United States of America to replicate their group stage upsets in the Super Eights.
“Then comes the USA, who have punched above their weight already. It’s possible that when they reach the Super Eights here, they might not be able to cause those sorts of upsets because the conditions now will not be that bowler-friendly.”
Aakash Chopra
The United States surprised Pakistan with a Super Over in Dallas. They also overcame Canada, and an abandoned game against Ireland secured their Super 8 position in Group A, with India.