Sourav Ganguly: “My pick for the four semifinalist spots would be India, Australia, England and Pakistan”

Image courtesy of: ESPNcricinfo

Former India captain Sourav Ganguly is backing Pakistan to reach the semi-finals at the World Cup, which begins in England and Wales next month.

Pakistan have not been in the best form in ODIs this year, but they can take confidence from the fact that they won the Champions Trophy in England in 2017.

In addition to Pakistan, who kick off their World Cup campaign against the West Indies in Nottingham on May 31, Ganguly sees India, Australia and England also making it to the last four at the tournament.

Out of those four teams, Ganguly conceded that India have the best chance of lifting the World Cup trophy.

“My pick for the four semifinalist spots would be India, Australia, England and Pakistan. India are one of the title-contenders of course,” he was quoted as saying by the Deccan Chronicle. “It’s going to be one of the most keenly contested World Cups. The Indian team is so strong that in any tournament they will be favourites.

“This World Cup will probably be the best format. The best four teams will reach the semi-finals playing all the teams. There are no easy teams.”

Meanwhile, Ganguly is backing India spinner Kuldeep Yadav to shine at the World Cup, even though he is struggling in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL).

In the nine games he has played for the Kolkata Knight Riders, he has taken four wickets at a dismal average of 71.50. To make matters worse, his economy rate stands at 8.66.

“He will get wickets in the World Cup, don’t worry. He’s a superb bowler,” Ganguly said.

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