T20 World Cup 2022: Four likely semifinalists of the tournament
The ICC T20 World Cup 2022 is currently underway and all the participating teams are giving their best shot as they eye the biggest prize in T20 cricket on November 13 at the MCG. While a few teams look solid on paper, there are some surprising names as well who can succeed in making the last four of this year’s competition.
While three of the names are certainly on the cards to make the semis, there is one team which can overcome all odds. Without further ado, here’s a look at four of those names.
- Australia:
Australia might have suffered a bitter 89-run defeat to Trans-Tasman rivals New Zealand in their campaign opener which has done some damage to their net run rate, but it is too soon to write the Aussies off as they have an outstanding reputation in ICC tournaments. The tournament taking place in their backyard gives them an added advantage. Thus, not only do Australia have the credentials to make the semis but are also the outright tournament’s favourites on paper.
- India:
India have some problems as far as their death bowling is concerned but are arguably one of the sides who can lift the trophy this time around. Even if their top-order fails early, they have a rock-solid middle order to fall back on which was evident during the clash against arch-rivals Pakistan at the MCG where the Men in Blue came out on top by five wickets in a final ball thriller. The team remains one of the strong semifinal contenders of the ongoing tournament.
- South Africa:
South Africa were on the verge of registering a comprehensive 10-wicket win against Zimbabwe in their Super 12 opener at Hobart before rain played spoilsport. Both teams have shared a point each and now the Proteas need to win all their remaining matches and ensure that they have very good NRR. However, with a lethal pace attack comprising Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi, Anrich Nortje and some seasoned batters like Quinton de Kock, Rilee Rossouw, David Miller, who have a vast experience of playing in Australian conditions, the Proteas should earn a semis berth without breaking a sweat.
4.New Zealand:
New Zealand are the dark horse in the ICC tournaments and they have been consistently making the knockouts for the last few years. In fact, they have made the finals of the last two ICC events. The Kiwis dismantled the reigning champions Australia in the tournament opener by 89 runs and thus registered their first win down across formats for the first time since 2011.
