Danish Kaneria Picks His Favorites For The T20 World Cup

Former Pakistan leg-spinner Danish Kaneria has picked his favorites for the upcoming T20 World Cup.

The seventh edition of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup is set to take place in the United Arab Emirates and Oman between October 17-November 14.

The groups for the marquee quadrennial event were drawn on Friday.

Group 1 is being billed as the ‘Group of Death’ due to the presence of defending champions West Indies, former champions and the current No.1 ranked England, Australia and South Africa.

However, Kaneria believes that the West Indies and England are favorites to qualify for the semi-finals.

“If I look at Group 1, the way West Indies have formed their team and the way they are playing against Australia, they are strong contenders. Between West Indies and England I think one team will make it to the final,” said Danish Kaneria on his official Youtube channel.

In Group 2, arch-rivals and former champions, India and Pakistan, are clubbed together alongside Afghanistan and New Zealand.

And, Kaneria had no hesitation in stating that India will start as an overwhelming favorite.

“In Group 2, India have quality cricketers and all-rounders. IPL 2021 phase two will happen before the T20 World Cup so it will favour India to make it to the final because the players will be in touch,” Danish Kaneria started.

ICYMI: The groups for the #T20WorldCup have been revealed.

Get to know the 16 teams duking it out for the trophy at this year’s tournament ? https://t.co/K6iQjFYa6z pic.twitter.com/46TXHVJoKZ

— T20 World Cup (@T20WorldCup) July 16, 2021

‘India-Pakistan games and viewed more than the Ashes’-Danish Kaneria

With the meetings between the two sides restricted to ICC and Asia Cup events, Danish Kaneria reckoned that the anticipation will be sky high among fans across both sides of the border.

He also added that an Indo-Pak encounter has more viewership than the Ashes and the upcoming encounter will help the ICC generate a lot of revenue.

“India-Pakistan games and viewed more than the Ashes. India and Pakistan are not playing bilateral series. So people wait with anticipation for the times when these two teams meet in ICC events. From the commercial point of view this would also generate a lot of revenue,” Danish Kaneria signed off.

India and Pakistan have met as many as five times in ICC T20 World Cups but just like the 50-over event, the Men in Blue have emerged victorious on all five occasions, something they will look to continue in the upcoming event.

Also Read- ICC T20 World Cup: 5 Most Iconic Clashes Between India And Pakistan