Former Indian cricket captain Sourav Ganguly has expressed his desire for an India-Pakistan semi-final match at the upcoming ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup in November. Ganguly, who turned 51 recently, named five teams he believes could make it to the semi-finals: Australia, England, India, New Zealand, and Pakistan.
Addressing the possibility of an India-Pakistan semi-final at the Eden Gardens stadium in Kolkata, Ganguly said, Pakistan better qualify so that we will have the India-Pakistan semi-final at the Eden Gardens. The iconic Eden Gardens is set to host the second semi-final of the tournament on November 16.
While Ganguly hopes for a thrilling clash between the two arch-rivals, he also acknowledged India’s recent struggles in knockout matches. Commenting on the team’s performance in crucial phases, Ganguly stated, We don’t perform well sometimes, in crucial phases. I don’t feel it is mental pressure, but all about execution. They are mentally strong people. Hopefully, they will cross the line soon.
Despite their challenges, Ganguly remained optimistic about India’s chances and highlighted their qualification for the final of the ICC World Test Championship as a significant achievement. He expressed confidence in the team’s potential, saying, We have got good players, plenty of them. Hopefully, we will do it this time.
Ganguly’s remarks have sparked excitement among cricket fans who eagerly await the World Cup matches. The India-Pakistan encounter in the league stage on October 15 is already highly anticipated, and if both teams qualify for the semi-finals, it would undoubtedly be a thrilling contest.
The former captain’s prediction of Australia, England, India, New Zealand, and Pakistan as potential semi-finalists aligns with the expectations of many cricket enthusiasts. These teams boast strong line-ups and have a history of performing well in major tournaments.
With the World Cup being held in India, the host nation will have the advantage of playing in familiar conditions. However, cricket is known for its unpredictability, and any team can emerge victorious on a given day.
As fans eagerly await the tournament, Ganguly’s wish for an India-Pakistan semi-final at the iconic Eden Gardens adds another layer of excitement to the upcoming World Cup. The clash between these two cricketing powerhouses is always highly charged and has the potential to captivate audiences across the globe.
Whether Ganguly’s desire becomes a reality remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup is poised to deliver thrilling matches and unforgettable moments for cricket fans worldwide.
