Ever since Netherlands stunned South Africa in their final Super-12 stage encounter on Sunday paved the way for Pakistan into semi-finals, cricket world is anticipating high-octane India versus Pakistan, in the summit-clash on November 13 (Sunday) at Melbourne Cricket Ground. The clash between two traditional arch-rivals is regarded as one of the most competitive matches in the sports, and the same was evident when both sides met in their opening clash at MCG on October 23rd.
Meanwhile, South African batting great AB de Villiers, who is currently in India to assist IPL Franchise Royal Challengers Bangalore ahead of mini auction for IPL 2023, conducted a Twitter poll urging cricket fans to predict whether India will play Pakistan in final of T20 World Cup 2022. An hour after De Villiers held the poll, the South African batting legend confirmed that 70 per cent of cricket fans have voted in the favor of Ind vs Pak final and also revealed his own wish for the final.
“Fantasy final indeed! So far 70% have voted Yes. My vote goes for an India vs Pak final too, would be mouth-watering encounter,” tweeted AB de Villiers. The former RCB batter also admitted that New Zealand and England have an ‘amazing line-up’ and ‘are in good form.’ “Gonna be two epic semifinal clashes,” mentioned De Villiers.
While India qualified for the semi-finals with utmost ease, Pakistan’s qualification scripted one of most interesting comebacks in the history of World Cups. After losing first two games, Pakistan were written off by many cricket pundits and were expected to be knocked out from the ICC tournament.
But Babar Azam & Co. peaked at the right time and stunned the likes of Netherlands, South Africa and Bangladesh in the last three Super-12 stage encounters. Pakistan also needed South Africa to be defeated in their last clash, and fortunately, Netherlands caused the biggest upset of the ICC tournament by beating in-form South Africa on Sunday.
Meanwhile, India won all their games in the Super-12 stage sparing one against South Africa at Perth Stadium. Pakistan will now face New Zealand in the first semi-final clash on November 9 (Wednesday) at Sydney Cricket Ground, while India will be up against England, next day, at Adelaide Oval. The final of the T20 World Cup 2022 has been scheduled for November 13 (Sunday) at Melbourne Cricket Ground.
