Virat Kohli to hit fifty in T20 World Cup final, claims Michael Vaughan as he backs India to crush South Africa

Michael Vaughan has revealed his prediction for the upcoming final between India and South Africa in the ongoing ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2024. The highly-awaited game is scheduled to be played on Saturday (June 29) in Barbados. 

Both India and South Africa have qualified for the final after winning all of their games in the tournament so far. South Africa began their campaign with four wins from four games in the group stage, beating Sri Lanka, Netherlands, Bangladesh, and Nepal. 

In the Super 8s, they were drawn into the second group with co-hosts West Indies, USA, and defending champions England. The Proteas came up with a brilliant display in the Super 8s as well and won all of their three games. They beat USA and England by 18 and 7 runs respectively before inflicting a 3-wicket defeat on West Indies.

In the semifinal, South Africa thrashed Afghanistan by nine wickets to qualify for the final of a World Cup in any format for the first time in their history. The Proteas will be looking to create history by powering their country to its first-ever World Cup triumph.

India, on the other hand, have been the most dominant side in the World Cup so far and have defeated teams with utmost ease. After a 100 percent record in the group stage where they defeated Ireland, Pakistan, and the USA, the Rohit Sharma-led side defeated Bangladesh, Afghanistan, and Australia in the Super 8s. 

In the semifinal, India thrashed reigning champions England by 68 runs to qualify for the final of a T20 World Cup for the third time and first time since 2014. India have won the tournament since the inaugural edition in 2007 and will be desperate to win the final.

Michael Vaughan's prediction:

Just about an hour before the start of the final between India and South Africa, Michael Vaughan took to X to reveal his prediction. The former England captain picked India as the favorites, stating that the Men in Blue would be too strong for South Africa in Barbados. He also backed struggling Virat Kohli to score a fifty for Team India.

"My feeling is India will be too strong for SA in Barbados .. Virat for a 50 and India to win is my prediction," wrote Michael Vaughan.

My feeling is India will be too strong for SA in Barbados .. Virat for a 50 and India to win is my prediction .. #T20WorldCup2024Final

— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) June 29, 2024