Tom Moody, Indian Experts Don’t See Pakistan Favorite To Win T20 WC

Web Desk — A panel featuring Australia’s Tom Moody and Indian ex-cricketers Ajit Agarkar and Gautam Gambhir still doubt that the Men in Green are the favourites to win the T20 World Cup.

The panel assembled by ESPNcricinfo was not keen to see Pakistan as the potential winner of the ICC T20 World Cup as most of them reminded fans that England are flying just as high, if not higher.

Moody acknowledged that Pakistan’s performance in the tournament has so far been “exceptional”, “but to label them as favourites would be a mistake. You have to look at the way England are playing,” he added.

According to Moody, the English side was playing a powerful and more upbeat brand of cricket. He termed it a side capable of becoming the new champions.

Ajit Agarkar, ex-Indian pacer, said Pakistan were “one of the favourites” because of the way they were playing. “But we will have to wait and see,” he said, adding: “Will they do a Pakistan that we know of the years gone by?”

Agarkar further said, “They are bowling well, they batted well and they fielded really well. Hence, they are certainly one of the favourites for me”.

Comparing Pakistan and England, former Indian opener Gautam Gambhir said Pakistan bowling was the strongest in the tournament but on the other hand, England’s batting was “far better” than that of Pakistan.

“Pakistan have shown bowling can also win you the tournament,” he said. “It’s difficult to actually say Pakistan are the favourites. At the moment, I still go with England.”

The host then asked experts whether Pakistan would end up as the semi-finalist, runner-up or winner of the World T20.

According to Agarkar, Pakistan would lose in the semis. Gambhir said the Men in Green will make it to the final, only to lose to England.

Moody and Gaurav saw Pakistan’s World T20 journey ending in the semi-finals, while Samiuddin thinks Babar’s team would lose the battle in the final.