'They've best-balanced side' - Brad Hogg warns Rohit Sharma's team, backs South Africa to crush India's World Cup dream

The finalists of the T20 World Cup 2024 have been decided with South Africa to face India in the final at Kensington Oval, Bridgetown, Barbados. Before the final, former Australian spinner Brad Hogg made a bold prediction and has backed South Africa to win the title.

South Africa and India are the only unbeaten teams in the competition and rightly deserve to play the final. Both the teams have been tremendous so far in all the departments and boast world-class players in their squad.

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Brad Hogg's bold statement before the T20 World Cup 2024 final

While most of the cricket pundits are backing India to win the title this time, Brad Hogg had other ideas. Hogg felt that this was South Africa's best chance to lift the trophy since they have a well-balanced side.

"South Africa's best chance to win a WC. They've got the best balanced side to defeat India. New team, looking at the opportunity rather than the past. The final should be a gem," Hogg posted on X (formerly Twitter).

South Africa's best chance to win a WC. They've got the best balanced side to defeat India. New team, looking at the opportunity rather than the past. The final should be a gem. #T20WorldCup2024 #T20WordCup pic.twitter.com/HuGmfGt1ip

— Brad Hogg (@Brad_Hogg) June 28, 2024

South Africa have the resources to become a world champion

South Africa have been excellent this tournament so far. They have won all of their eight matches and have shown excellent composure under pressure. Despite being put under pressure on several occasions, the Proteas have found a way to be just good enough to win the game.

As they reached the Super Eight stage, they raised their game significantly and defeated tough teams like England and West Indies. The way they defeated Afghanistan in the semi-final, showed they have peaked at the right time and will be a dangerous team in the final.

SA batters haven't been at their best but the bowlers have done their job well. Anrich Nortje has picked up 13 wickets from 8 matches so far. Kagiso Rabada has given him good company with 12 wickets while spinner Tabraiz Shamsi has picked up 11 wickets in just 4 matches.

But their batting line-up cannot be counted out as they boast one of the most dangerous middle orders in this competition. The likes of Aiden Markram, David Miller, Heinrich Klaasen, and Tristan Stubbs have loads of experience of playing spin and will not be daunted by India's spin challenge.

Highly skilled India up for the South Africa challenge

But they will be up against an Indian side, which is highly skilled and will be tough to beat. India have been excellent in all the departments so far, be it batting, bowling, or fielding.

They have some dangerous batters who can take the game away from any team. Indian bowlers have been lethal as well. Both the fast bowlers and the spinners have performed their roles to perfection.

While India are the inaugural champions of the T20 World Cup, South Africa are yet to win an ICC trophy. It is likely to be a cracker of a contest between the two only unbeaten sides of the competition.