Former West Indies batter Chris Gayle has made some bold prediction for the finalists of the showpiece event.
The ICC T20 World Cup is due to go off on October 16 in Australia, with Sri Lanka facing Namibia in the tournament opener. A total of twelve teams will compete for glory, and predictions for the same have already begun.
Defending champions Australia will have home advantage, but will face stiff competition from India, England, and Pakistan, among others.
Former West Indies hitter Chris Gayle shared his thoughts on the subject and offered some daring predictions for the showcase event’s finalists.
Gayle believes Australia will go to the final, where they will face the West Indies.
“I think there could be a final match between West Indies and Australia,” Gayle told Dainik Jagran in an exclusive interview.
The 43-year-old cricketer, however, was quick to underline the tough road for West Indies in the T20 World Cup, with T20 specialists not being part of the squad.
“It will be very difficult for the West Indies team as the captain of the team is new and there is no Kieron Pollard, Andre Russell and Bravo in the team,” he added.
Sunil Narine, in addition to the aforementioned names, is not a member of the West Indies team. Shimron Hetmyer was also passed over for the squad after missing his rescheduled travel to Australia.
As per Gayle, West Indies are a “dangerous team” and things could go in their favour by implementing the correct strategies on match days.
“Yes, it is definitely that the players who are included in the West Indies team are talented and can prove to be dangerous for any team. As everyone knows it is just a matter of adapting your strategy in the right way on match day. I hope the team plays well,” said Gayle.
West Indies are yet to qualify for the Super 12 stage.
They will compete alongside Ireland, Scotland and Zimbabwe in Group B and need to finish in the top two at the group stage to meet the heavyweights of the tournament.