"South Africa will make it very..." - Zaheer Khan, Michael Vaughan predict T20 World Cup 2024 champions

Former Indian pacer Zaheer Khan and former England captain Michael Vaughan have unveiled their predictions for the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 final between India and South Africa at the Kensington Oval in Barbados on Saturday, June 29.

Zaheer and Vaughan have both agreed that the T20 World Cup 2024 final promises to be a thrilling encounter, with both India and South Africa showcasing exceptional consistency throughout the tournament and remaining unbeaten till the summit clash in Barbados.

Zaheer Khan and Michael Vaughan predictions set the stage for the thrilling ICC T20 World Cup 2024 Final

The former Indian World Cup winner said that the winner of this year's T20 World Cup will remain undefeated, while emphasizing that the finalists have displayed remarkable resilience and strategic prowess throughout the tournament, making them formidable opponents.

Coming to the point, Zaheer noted that the Indian cricket team holds a slight advantage due to their experience, particularly in handling high-pressure situations, having played a couple of finals in recent years.

He pointed out that many players from Team India's recent ODI World Cup 2023 campaign are part of the T20 World Cup 2024 squad, and it will make things easy for them in the title clash.

On the other hand, the former Indian pacer stressed that the South Africa cricket team will definitely feel the pressure in the final against India since they don’t have the experience of playing in such high-pressure games on the global stage.

India will have edge over South Africa: Zaheer Khan

He said that this is a big advantage for the Men in Blue, and due to this, Zaheer reckons Rohit Sharma and Co. will lift the T20 World Cup in 2024. Notably, India has not won an ICC title since their ICC Champions Trophy win in 2013.

Zaheer Khan said on Cricbuzz Live: “First thing, the winner this time is going to be undefeated through their journey, which makes a perfect setting for the finals. Both these teams have been consistent in finding ways to win matches throughout the tournament. Both these teams, when you're looking at on paper, they're very, very strong teams.

India may be having that edge, having that experience. South Africa will be feeling that pressure at some stage in the game, no matter what, because this is their first finals. So that pressure is always going to be there. But for India, it's something which they've just seen in the 50-over World Cup. If you look at most of the guys from that team is also here. So that is going to be an advantage because you know what to expect.”

South Africa will make it very difficult for India: Michael Vaughan on T20 World Cup 2024 Final

Meanwhile, Michael Vaughan pointed out the strengths of the South African team. He emphasized the success of South African players like Aidan Markram, Quinton de Kock, David Miller, Tristan Stubbs, and Heinrich Klaasen in the IPL, which gives them confidence against the formidable Indian bowling attack in the T20 World Cup 2024 final in Barbados.

Taking a dig at England, the cricket pundit predicted that South Africa would not falter easily like the defending champions in the semifinal and would pose a significant challenge to India in the final. He expected South Africa to bring their A-game and make it tough for India to lift the cup.

Michael Vaughan said during the same discussion on Cricbuzz Live: “If you look at South Africa, they have a lot of players with IPL experience. So, all that engine room of batters for South Africa, they've all had success against the Indian bowlers in the IPL. So, they should go into that game with confidence. I don't think they'll put on a show like we've just seen in England. I think South Africa will make it very difficult for India.”