Danish Kaneria names his favourite picks from T20 World Cup 2021

As soon as the ICC announced the group schedule for the T20 World Cup 2021, experts, fans, and critics have put on their thinking hats and have started to make combinations and assumptions for the global event. The main talking points of the matter were India and Pakistan being in the same group. Group two is rounded off by New Zealand and Afghanistan, with two more teams set to join them from qualifiers as well.

Meanwhile Group one comprises South Africa, defending champions from 2016 edition West Indies, Australia, and England. Already, the experts have termed this group as the ‘Group of death.’ The showpiece event is set to be held in the UAE from October 17-November 14.

Former Pakistan leg-spinner Danish Kaneria believes that from the first Group, West Indies and England are likely to qualify for the next round. Although South Africa showed glimpses of form in the recently concluded T20 series against West Indies, the former and the latter are a strong force to reckon with in the shortest format.

“If I look at Group 1, the way West Indies have formed their team and the way they are playing against Australia, they are strong contenders. Between West Indies and England, I think one team will make it to the final,” said Danish Kaneria on his official Youtube channel.

Kaneria backed India as the overwhelming favorites from Group two since the conditions in the UAE are pretty much similar to the ones in India. He also felt India has quality all-rounders, which will be beneficial for them in the global event.

“In Group 2, India have quality cricketers and all-rounders. IPL 2021 phase two will happen before the T20 World Cup so it will favor India to make it to the final because the players will be in touch,” Danish Kaneria started.

ICYMI: The groups for the #T20WorldCup have been revealed.

Get to know the 16 teams duking it out for the trophy at this year’s tournament 👉 https://t.co/K6iQjFYa6z pic.twitter.com/46TXHVJoKZ

— T20 World Cup (@T20WorldCup) July 16, 2021

Danish Kaneria on India and Pakistan rivalry

India and Pakistan will once again battle it out in the T20 World Cup and will face each other after the ICC Cricket World Cup in 2019. The cricketer-turned-expert feels the anticipation and excitement among fans will be sky-high and the viewership too will help ICC generate revenue.

“India-Pakistan games and viewed more than the Ashes. India and Pakistan are not playing bilateral series. So people wait with anticipation for the times when these two teams meet in ICC events. From the commercial point of view, this would also generate a lot of revenue,” Danish Kaneria signed off.