T20 World Cup 2021: Ian Chappell picks his semifinal contenders

The T20 World Cup 2021 has been an eventful affair so far. The former Australia cricketer Ian Chappell has, however, opened up on the marquee event. He has predicted the teams that would dominate the proceedings in order to advance to the semifinals.

The qualifiers round displayed some intriguing contests. Bangladesh lost their first match to Scotland, whereas Namibia emerged triumphant against Ireland to book their seat in the Super 12s. This in a way explains the uncertainty of the format. Chappell shed light on these aspects and stated that India and Pakistan are favorites to finish at the top two in Group 2.

He, however, added that the other team which can pose threat in Group 2 is the Kane Williamson-led side. Opening up about the other group which consists of  Australia, England, South Africa and West Indies, the former cricketer said that it is difficult to predict who will emerge at the top.

“In Group 2, the most likely semi-finalists are India and Pakistan, with the biggest danger to them being New Zealand. Group 1 – where Australia, England, South Africa, and West Indies all reside – is much more difficult to predict. Using the pin-the-tail-on-the-donkey method, I favour England and West Indies to qualify from this group, but I do so with little conviction. And that’s the beauty of the T20 World Cup – it’s a lottery,” Chappell wrote in his column for ESPNcricinfo.

Ian Chappell on how the UAE conditions can help India and Pakistan

Pakistan has played a lot of cricket in UAE over the previous decades. The team is thus well versed with the playing conditions and that is expected to provide them an edge in the tournament. India on the other hand will also be benefitted as most of the players from the squad have featured in the recently concluded IPL. Chappell highlighted these points and stated that it will help the teams.

“Logic would say that the venue favors the highly unpredictable Pakistan, who for most of the previous decade used the UAE as their “home” turf. Also, players who participated in the second half of the rearranged IPL will benefit from the tournament’s shift to the UAE and that makes India a big beneficiary,” Chappell further added.

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