New Delhi: West Indies legend Sir Vivian Richards will be backing India to win the T20 World Cup 2024 if the Men in Maroon do not get cross the line in the ongoing tournament in the Caribbean. India are one of the two unbeaten sides in the ongoing edition with five wins in six games and are a step away from sealing the semifinal spot. West Indies, on the other hand, also stand a good chance to make it to the last four provided they beat co-hosts USA in their final Super 8 fixture.
Richards’ comments come during the Indian team’s Best Fielder medal presentation ceremony after Men in Blue’s win over Bangladesh. Coming into the Indian dressing room, Richards, a winner of two ODI World Cups with West Indies in 1975 and 1979, presented the medal to Suryakumar Yadav.
“If the men in Maroon don’t get it done, I’m backing you guys to win this T20 World Cup,” said Richards.
At the moment, India are on top of Group 1 with two wins from as many matches. With Afghanistan shocking Australia on Sunday morning, the result has opened up the group as both teams now have one win each with one match to go and stand a chance to advance to the semifinals.
That means, India will now have to win their final Super 8 game against Australia on Monday to qualify for the semifinals. For the unknown, India inched closer to the final four spot with a comfortable 50-run win against Bangladesh.
Riding on a half-century from vice-captain Hardik Pandya (50 off 27 balls) and useful knocks from Virat Kohli (37), Rishabh Pant (36) and Shivam Dube (34), India posted 196/5, the highest T20I total at the Sir Viv Richards Stadium. In reply, Bangladesh were all at sea against Kuldeep Yadav’s (3/19 in 4 overs) left-arm wrist spin as they managed only 146/8 in the end.
Pandya showed his all-round prowess with a scalp as only skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto (40 off 32 balls) looked comfortable in the middle. Jasprit Bumrah (2/13 in 4 overs) was economical as ever.
