'I’d absolutely love to happen' - Brad Hogg anticipates India, Australia final in T20 World Cup 2024

India and Australia’s rivalry on the cricket field got extended hype as Australia cruised past India at the World Cup 2023 final in Ahmedabad to become champions. Months earlier, the same Australia had outclassed India in the finals of the World Test Championship at the Oval in June 2023. The rivalry gets intense when Indians are reminded of the infamous World Cup 2003 loss to mighty Australians in the finals. 

Amidst the T20 World Cup 2024 fervour, former Australia batter, Brad Hogg has manifested an Indo-Aus final in the ongoing tournament. It is worth noting that, both India and Australia have made it to the Super 8 stages of the tournament and are termed favourites to feature in the semi-finals. Hogg anticipated that both teams could comprehensively beat the likes of Bangladesh and Afghanistan which could pave the way for the ultimate clash.

Also Read: T20 World Cup 2024: Florida games receive major boost following rain-free day

"In the Super 8s, Australia and India have got Bangladesh (yet to qualify) and Afghanistan and you expect both teams to beat Afghanistan and Bangladesh and move through to the semi-finals, hopefully, that does happen. It sets it up for the possibility of Australia and India in a grand final which I’d absolutely love to happen,” said Hogg while speaking to Star Sports.

India are coming from IPL where they were playing on a lot of flat wickets: Hogg

Hogg further analysed that Australia have an edge to steer past the Super 8 stages of the tournament with the favourites tag rather than India. He argued that India played their major games of the World Cup in New York which had seam movement compared to Australia who were exposed to slow West Indies decks. The claim stems from the fact that the knockouts as well as finals will be played in the West Indies.

Also Read: Afghanistan are top contenders to win T20 World Cup in these conditions - Mohammad Kaif

"That first game between Australia and India in the super eights, the advantage would have to be to Australia because they’ve been playing in the West Indies where it’s been difficult, it’s been slow. Whereas the Indian team has been playing in New York where there’s been some seam movement, the batters haven’t been able to get their rhythm and also they’re coming from IPL where they were playing on a lot of flat wickets,” he added.