Wasim Akram names his choices for the four semi-finalists for T20 World Cup 2026

In his predictions for the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026, former Pakistani great Wasim Akram named Australia, South Africa, India, and New Zealand as his four semi-finalists. 

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The renowned left-arm pacer thinks these nations presently have the balance, flexibility, and big-match mentality necessary to advance far in the event, which will be co-hosted by Sri Lanka and India. 

Given their breadth across departments and expertise with subcontinental conditions, Akram chose India as his top option. He pointed out that India's T20 strategy has changed dramatically in the last few years, relying more on multi-skilled players and adopting an attacking batting approach. 

Akram claims that India is a serious possibility for the knockout stages since they can deploy several combinations without sacrificing quality.

The great pacer praised South Africa's recent success in white-ball cricket, making them his second choice. He emphasized the Proteas' increased reliability in ICC competitions and the combination of a disciplined bowling attack and strong hitters. 

As long as they manage pressure situations better than they have in the past, Akram believes South Africa's speed battery, bolstered by strong spin options, might show to be quite effective even on slower wickets. 

Akram's anticipated semi-final lineup included New Zealand as well. He said that the Black Caps, who are renowned for outperforming their opponents in international competitions, are among the most strategically savvy teams in world cricket. In the shortest format, Akram cited New Zealand's ability to rapidly adjust to changing circumstances, maintain composure, and have a solid leadership team as key advantages.

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Australia, a team Akram referred to as "born competitors" in ICC competitions, completes his list. He noted that Australia has a track record of peaking at the ideal moment and has a number of players that excel on the international scene. 

They are a dangerous team in knockout matches, according to Akram, because of their explosive batting, acrobatic fielding, and skilled fast bowlers. 

Although Akram acknowledged that T20 cricket is erratic and full of surprises, he emphasized that these four sides now seem to be the most prepared to meet the demands of a World Cup. His predictions have already sparked debates among fans and experts on who will win the T20 World Cup 2026 trophy, even though the competition is still a way off.

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