The 20-20 World Cup is just around the corner with the curtain raiser match scheduled for 16th October between Sri Lanka and Namibia. All teams are looking to complete their preparations and go into the mega event with positivity and confidence. With 16 teams participating in the tournament, the competition for the Cup would be even higher. Eight teams have already qualified for the Super 12 stage, and the rest four places will be up for grabs.
Namibia, Netherlands, Sri Lanka, UAE, Ireland, Scotland, West Indies and Zimbabwe would be gunning for the unfilled four spots and a chance to clash with the very best in the sport in Super 12.
As the tournament is nearing, the analysts and commentators have begun placing their bets on who could be the potential winner of the tournament. One such analyst is former Pakistan pacer, Wasim Akram. The legendary cricketer has chosen four teams to go all the way, one of which could win the 20-20 World Cup. He has however also mentioned a dark horse who could surprise all and bring the coveted cup home.
“For the semifinals, what I would like to see is Australia, India and Pakistan. But South Africa could be a dark horse,” Wasim Akram said to the media in UAE.
All teams undergoing preparations
Currently, all teams are undergoing preparations for the World Cup. India, having reached the Australian shores is playing practice matches against local club teams. Pakistan meanwhile just won a tri-series in New Zealand and will fly to Australia on October 15th. Australia and England are playing a three-match T20I series, which has already been won 2-0 by England. The final T20I match between the two is scheduled for October 14th.
The Super 12 of the 20-20 World Cup will begin with a match between Australia and New Zealand on 22nd October. India and Pakistan will go head to head on October 23rd at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. The match however is in danger of being washed out due to rain.
