'Defeating them down under is very difficult' - Virender Sehwag predicts 2022 T20 World Cup finalists

Australia, hosts for the ongoing T20 World Cup 2022, struggled for results in recent T20I games against England and India but remain favorites to dominate the tournament at home. Australia will start their World Cup campaign against New Zealand on October 22 at Sydney Cricket Ground while the much-anticipated India-Pakistan clash will follow at Melbourne Cricket Ground on October 23.

Both India and Australia remain strong contenders to lift the trophy and former Indian cricketer Virender Sehwag has predicted the both nations will be the finalists this year Sehwag pointed out that it will be very difficult to beat Australia at home but also said that India have an advantage with a balanced team.

“The hosts are Australia and defeating them Down Under is very difficult. The other would be the Indian team who are balanced and have experience of playing in Australia,” Sehwags told Cricbuzz.

Virender Sehwag and Michael Vaughan backs Babar Azam to top the charts at the World Cup

Sehwag also backed Babar Azam and predicted him to be the leading run-getter at the 2022 World Cup, ahead of the likes of Indian star batters Suryakumar Yadav and KL Rahul. Pakistani skipper was the leading run-getter at the 2021 World Cup in UAE with 303 runs from six innings and has been in excellent form ahead of Pakistan's opening clash against India.

“He has been extraordinary. Great fun to watch. There is a sense of calmness whenever Virat Kohli bats and you get something similar when watching Babar,” Sehwag said.

The former English captain Michael Vaughan also agreed with Sehwag's choice and said that Babar's consistency and his combination with Rizwan will help his score the most runs in Australia.

“This year's T20 World Cup, I am going with Babar Azam. Brilliant player, Pakistan's opening batter. A great combination with Rizwan at the top of the order. So consistent, Babar Azam will score the most runs,” said Vaughan.