"Why won't they win" - Aakash Chopra's huge prediction on England's chances in T20 World Cup 2024
Defending champions England are looking in good state in the ongoing T20 World Cup 2024. Former India opener Aakash Chopra has made a huge prediction on England's chances ahead of their second Super 8 clash against South Africa, to be played on June 21 in Gros Islet, St. Lucia.
England won its opening Super 8 match against tournament co-hosts West Indies in a convincing manner. Their batters chased down a tricky target of 181 quite easily, leaving some of the teams worried.
With their batting looking as powerful as ever and bowlers also looking good, the defending champions are looking like a dangerous side. If they win against South Africa, they will almost secure their qualification for the semi-finals.
Aakash Chopra's bold prediction on England's chances
While speaking in a video on his YouTube channel, expert and cricket commentator Aakash Chopra predicted England to cruise past South Africa in their second Super 8 match. Chopra backed opener Phil Salt to fire in this match and also lauded the management for using Moeen Ali well.
"I am saying England will win this match. Why won't they win? England are coming after playing good cricket. They defeated the West Indies and will win this match as well. If England win this match, they will almost qualify, because I am assuming the USA will lose to all teams," Chopra claimed.
"England destroyed the West Indies. The West Indies didn't make as many runs as they should have and when England got to bat, Phil Salt thrashed them. I have expectations from Phil Salt once again that he will continue to bat well. He has Jos Buttler with him. Moeen Ali is being used well," he added.
There is depth in England's batting and they have lot of bowling options - Aakash Chopra
The former India batter praised Jonny Bairstow's blistering innings in the last match and mentioned that England's depth in batting and bowling makes them a solid outfit.
"Jonny Bairstow was sent up the order and he also played freely in the last match. So depth in batting is being seen and a lot of options in bowling, whether you talk about Mark Wood or Adil Rashid. You can get Liam Livingstone to bowl and Sam Curran bowls a couple of overs. So there are plenty of options," Chopra stated.
England were on the brink of an early elimination from the group stage when Scotland threatened to beat Australia in their last league match. But Australia's win in the match propelled England to reach the Super 8 as the second-best team behind Australia in Group B.
The Three Lions have lost one match in this tournament so far, to 2021 champions Australia in Barbados. Other than that, they have looked like a dangerous team and have been getting better with every game.
England's final Super 8 match will be against the USA on June 23 in Barbados.
