Former Indian cricketer Krishnamachari Srikkanth has said that Australia will be the frontrunners to take on hosts India in the finals of the T20 World Cup, adding that England and South Africa will be the other semifinalists of the upcoming marquee event, which will start on Saturday, February 7.
India are in an advantageous position to defend their title, with most of the games of the T20 World Cup being held at home. South Africa, on the other hand, lost the final of the 2024 edition of the tournament to India in Barbados.
While Australia couldn’t surprisingly qualify for the semifinals, England lost the battle for a spot in the final to India in 2024.
“I think India, England, South Africa and Australia will play the semifinals. I think the finals should
be between India and Australia. They will be the closest competitor to India,” Srikkanth said while speaking on his YouTube channel Cheeky Cheeka.
“If these two play the final, it will be deadly,” Srikkanth said.
The former cricketer added that Australia are a batting powerhouse, much like India, with their biggest strength lying in the quality of their all-rounders alongside a formidable batting lineup.
However, Srikkanth also voiced concerns about their bowling attack and their ability to defend totals.
“Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh, Tim David, Maxwell and Green. If any two of these five get going, they have a powerhouse batting just like India, in all fairness. But there is no scope in their bowling,” Srikkanth said.
“Having many all-rounders is their biggest advantage. But with no Hazlewood, all the others will get hit in India. Zampa and Hazlewood are brilliant. There is no one else who is a gun bowler,” Srikkanth added.
The former Indian player lauded young all-rounder Cooper Connolly, describing the 22-year-old a quality player despite his current T20I strike rate not being brilliant.
