Aakash Chopras opinion suggests that India is faced with a relatively easy Super 8 group in the 2024 T20 World Cup. The Men in Blue are part of Group 1 alongside Afghanistan Bangladesh and Australia.
On Thursday, June 20, India’s Super 8 campaign begins against Afghanistan in Barbados. They will then face Bangladesh and Australia in Antigua and Saint Lucia, respectively, with a day between games.
In a video posted to his YouTube page, Aakash Chopra stated that India’s group is somewhat easier, with Afghanistan unlikely to provide a significant challenge in Barbados.
“Bangladesh is a team that always troubles but this Bangladesh team is playing okay cricket. They have qualified for sure but are they playing the best cricket possible? The captain hasn’t scored runs and Shakib Al Hasan hasn’t scored runs apart from one match. That much confidence hasn’t been seen in any other batter.”
Aakash Chopra
Bangladeshs skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto has struggled in the 2024 T20 World Cup managing a mere 26 runs at a disappointing average of 6.50 across four innings. In contrast Shakib Al Hasan shines as the sole Bangla Tigers player averaging over 25 scoring an impressive 92 runs at an average of 30.67 in four knocks.
“India and Australia might face off in the final once again” – Aakash Chopra
Aakash Chopra believes Australia will be India’s toughest test in the Super Eights, and the two teams may meet again in the final.
“Then there is Australia, which is a title-contender team, there is no doubt about that because the team is actually very good. They have depth in batting and variety in bowling. This team is going to give a contest on the 24th and this could be the precursor to the symphony. India and Australia might face off in the final once again.”
Aakash Chopra
The cricketer-turned-commentator closed by predicting India and Australia as the two most likely semi-finalists from Group 1.
“So which two teams do I feel will progress from this group? One I am saying India should progress and then they will play their semi-final in Guyana. There are more chances of that match also going in our favor. I am going towards Australia as the second team. I feel these two teams will qualify.”
Aakash Chopra
Chopra suggested that Afghanistan and Bangladesh might not be able to qualify. He went on to say that if Afghanistan had played Australia in Guyana rather than Saint Vincent, they may have won.