T20 WC: 'If they win....' - Former Aussie spinner makes BOLD claim for SA ahead of Afghanistan semifinal
T20 WC: Former Aussie spinner makes BOLD claim for SA ahead of SF vs Afghanistan
Former Australian spin wizard Brad Hogg has made a bold statement ahead of the first semifinal of the T20 World Cup 2024, being held in the West Indies and the USA. In the first semifinal, an unbeaten South Africa will take on Afghanistan at theBrian Lara Stadium, Tarouba, Trinidad on Wednesday (June 26, local time). Hogg feels if South Africa gopast the Afghans -- who have beaten New Zealand and Australia in the ongoing 20-nation mega event -- then the Aiden Markram-led Proteas will go on to lift the coveted title in the final on Saturday (June 29) in Barbados.
Speaking before the semifinals, Hogg said in the Star Sports Press Room Show, "They are just spawning from here. It's amazing. I regard Hendricks as well, I really like him as a player. And then you've got to build a wall, they can build a nice spin. Especially with Klassen. I expect him to do really well against Afghanistan and get to the finals."
'South Africa is going to win the final this year'
Hogg further claimed, "I think it is going to be South Africa and we have got a really strong squad, good spin with Shamsi and Maharaj. I don't plan on the big nations now, and I think they'll have to go out there and play it out again instead and just have that confidence to go with the final side. For me, if I get past that semi-final right, South Africa is going to win the final this year."
"I just think I've got the team balanced and I've got the aggression as well. I've got that kindness. I really like Markram as the captain. He is correct and very composed. And I also think, we are going to win as a very well-composed team, not panicking and just setting the right conditions," he added.
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Along with India, SA are the only unbeaten side in this year's T20 WC, winning seven games in a row. They have won plenty of close games and, hence, will have their nose ahead of Rashid Khan-led Afghans before the first semifinal.
The second semifinal will be between defending champions England and India, in Guyana on Thursday (June27).