India have to be firm favourites to win this T20 World Cup: Kobus Olivier

After the memorable victory against Pakistan in the T20 World Cup 2022 Super 12 Stages, there has been high praise for Indian team’s performance around the world. Chasing 160 to win, India lost four wickets for just 31 runs and it was up to Virat Kohli and Hardik Pandya to take the game deep. The duo’s 113 run-partnership helped massively and Kohli’s unbeaten 82 off 53 balls sealed a victory which never looked possible at one stage of the game.  

It was a dramatic performance in front of more than 90,000 fans at the huge Melbourne Cricket Stadium and Kohli picked up the Player of the Match award for his breathtaking knock. The win certainly has popped up high chances of India qualifying for the semi-finals of the tournament and Ukraine Cricket Federation CEO, Kobus Olivier hailed the Men in Blue for their performance.  

Once you get a win like that behind you, this team is going to let in the momentum: Kobus Olivier 

Olivier mentioned that the tournament is half won already with a win like India had and felt that the Rohit Sharma-led side is firm favourite to win the tournament from here on. He noted about two factors, confidence and momentum being abundant for India and lauded Kohli for producing a knock for the ages.  

“You look at that match, you have made the comment the World Cup is already half won. I think a win like that really sets India up for this World Cup and in my mind, they have to be firm favourites to win this World Cup. Once you get a win like that behind you, this team is going to let in the momentum and you pick up the self-confidence. It was just an absolutely amazing game,” Kobus Olivier told in CricTracker’s live show BatBricks7 presents 'Run ki Runneeti'. 

“I gave them no chance with three overs to go and Virat Kohli produced an unbelievable performance. Definitely, my favourites to win the World Cup now,” he added.