Wasim Akram predicts semi-finalists for T20 World Cup 2022

image-l94m5wbsWasim Akram / PC: Twitter

The former Pakistan pacer and legend Wasim Akram recently opened up on the upcoming and much-hyped T20 World Cup 2022, set to kick start in Australia on Sunday, October 16.

Akram feels that pace will play a key role in the teams' success in Australia, given the pitches in the country Down Under offer sheer pace and bounce to the bowlers.

Speaking at an event in Dubai, Wasim said that Australia will have an upper hand in the showpiece event, considering they have one of the strongest bowling attacks and all of them are well aware of the pitches there.

"It's in Australia. The Australians will probably play well, they have a good bowling attack, and they know those pitches."  

The Pakistan veteran also pointed out the weak link of India's bowling and said that their senior pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar will struggle on Australian pitches if the ball stops swinging. 

"India has Bhuvneshwar Kumar, he is good with the new ball, but with his pace, if the ball is not swinging, he will probably struggle there. But he is a very good bowler no doubt, swings both ways, and has the yorker. But you need pace in Australia." 

Australia, India & Pakistan will reach semifinals: Wasim Akram 

Akram, widely regarded as one of the greatest fast bowlers of all time, predicted that India, Pakistan, and Australia will be the semi-finalists of the T20 World Cup 2022, while South Africa might come out as a dark horse. 

"India has a good batting line-up. But they still haven't named Bumrah's replacement. Pakistan, their middle-order is struggling."

"So for the semifinals, what I would like to see in Australia, India, and Pakistan. But South Africa could be a dark horse." 

India needs to stick with Umran Malik: Wasim Akram 

With the injured Jasprit Bumrah being ruled out of the T20 World Cup 2022, Wasim felt India should have picked their new pace sensation, Umran Malik in the squad for the big assignment in Australia. 

"You see that guy from Kashmir, Umran Malik, he is quick. India needs to stick with him because he has got pace. If I was in the Indian think-tank, I would have picked him in the squad all the time." 

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