India legend Sachin Tendulkar names the four favourites to win the T20 World Cup
India legend Sachin Tendulkar believes there are four standout teams at the T20 World Cup but says two ‘dark horses’ could spring a surprise in Australia.
The eighth edition of the men’s T20 World Cup started last weekend, with eight teams currently competing for the final four places in the Super 12 stage.
Two of Netherlands, Namibia, Sri Lanka and United Arab Emirates and two of Scotland, Zimbabwe, West Indies and Ireland will join the Super 12 stage.
Afghanistan, Australia, England and Australia are already in Group A while Group B currently consists of Bangladesh, India, Pakistan and South Africa.
Host nation Australia are the defending champions following their maiden T20 World Cup triumph in the United Arab Emirates last year.
Tendulkar expects Australia to qualify for the semi-finals along with England, India and Pakistan, but says South Africa and New Zealand could be ‘dark horses’ as they look to win their first T20 World Cup titles.
‘I want India to become champions but my top four would be India, Pakistan, Australia and England,’ he told Starsport.
‘New Zealand could be a dark horse, the same for South Africa because they will play well in these conditions. But I expect the top four to be in there [the semi-finals], and the other two are dark horses.’
India won the first ever T20 World Cup back in 2007 but have largely struggled in the competition since, suffering early exits in four of the last six tournaments.
Much is expected of Rohit Sharma’s team this time around, with India one of the most formidable teams in the world and currently ranked No. 2 by the ICC behind Australia.
India’s chances suffered a blow earlier in the month, though, as superstar bowler Jasprit Bumrah was ruled out of the tournament with a back