Mohammad Kaif shockingly snubs India, Australia as he names top contenders for T20 World Cup 2024

Former India cricketer Mohammad Kaif talked about the chances of Afghanistan in the ongoing T20 World Cup 2024. He believes that the Rashid Khan-led side is the top contender to win the tournament as they will be very difficult to beat in Caribbean conditions. 

Rashid Khan-led Afghanistan have made a massive statement in the ongoing T20 World Cup 2024. They have set the stage on fire with their performances and have sent a strong message to the other teams in their group as well as the other teams involved in the tournament. 

Afghanistan are yet to lose a game in the ongoing T20 World Cup 2024. They defeated Uganda and New Zealand in Guyana before defeating Papua New Guinea in Trinidad. Their third straight win powered them to the Super 8 stage of the tournament and are now placed alongside India and Australia in Group 1. 

Afghanistan have hardly put a foot wrong in the ongoing T20 World Cup 2024. Their batting has done wonders and if this was not enough, they have looked threatening with the ball with both pacers as well as spinners contributing equally well for the team in the tournament. 

Mohammad Kaif while talking about Afghanistan's form pointed out the key factors for the team and claimed that conditions in West Indies are Taylor-made for them and they are favourites to win. Speaking to Star Sports about the same, he elaborated: 

"Afghanistan is in good form. Their bowling is in form, where Fazalhaq Farooqi has even picked up a five-wicket haul and Rashid Khan is in form. If we talk about the two openers, Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran, they are in great form. Afghanistan are top contenders to win the World Cup in these conditions, 

"They are playing all their matches here (in the West Indies). They didn't go to the USA at all. Spending two or three weeks there, they exactly know how to bowl and bat on which pitch. They have got an idea of the conditions and their players have form."

"If their batting keeps working properly, it will be difficult to beat Afghanistan - Mohammad Kaif 

Mohammad Kaif further stressed that Afghanistan needs to be consistent in their batting and expressed his confidence in Rahmanullah Gurbaz to give the team great starts. He also praised skipper Rashid Khan and pacer Fazalhaq Farooqi for their heroics with the ball, adding that they can win the World Cup. He added: 

"Their problem was batting. If their batters fire, Gurbaz gives a good start, and runs are put on the board, they have the bowling to beat the greatest of teams on their day. I have spoken about Rashid Khan and we saw Farooqi's shape and swing. He is in exceptional form. 

"If their batting keeps working properly, it will be difficult to beat Afghanistan in such conditions where the pitches are slightly slow and the ball is turning. They can win the World Cup also because they have the team and players in form." 

Afghanistan's sensational performances in T20 World Cup 2024 have also meant curtains for New Zealand in the tournament. They will be next seen in action when they will take on West Indies.