Former Pakistan fast bowler Mohammad Amir is no stranger to controversy, often making headlines with his bold statements. Recently, he insisted that the Indian team will fail to reach the semifinals of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026. Despite Suryakumar Yadav's Indian squad clinching a 72-run win against Zimbabwe, their do-or-die match against the West Indies looms large.
The winner of this crucial match will advance to the semifinals. Prior to the Super 8 stage, Amir had prophesied against India's semifinal chances, citing South Africa and the West Indies as superior teams in the tournament.
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India's loss to South Africa at Ahmedabad's Narendra Modi Stadium by 76 runs reinforced Amir's prediction. A Pakistani anchor even labeled him a 'fortune-teller,' to which Amir couldn't suppress his laughter. However, the Indian team made a remarkable comeback, defeating Zimbabwe by 72 runs at Chennai's MA Chidambaram Stadium.
On the TV show 'Harna Mana Hai', Amir was questioned again about his semifinal forecast. He boldly asserted, 'Pakistan will qualify. Whether Pakistan qualifies or not, India won't.' This statement left the anchor taken aback. Throughout the T20 World Cup, Amir hasn't shied away from making controversial remarks, notably dubbing Indian opener Abhishek Sharma a 'slogger,' claiming that Sharma lacks a defensive game.
Pakistan, under Salman Ali Agha's leadership, capitalized on England's four-wicket triumph over New Zealand in Colombo last Friday. Now, Pakistan must deliver at least a 64-run victory against Sri Lanka, or chase the target within 13.1 overs, to surpass New Zealand's net run rate and secure a semifinal spot.
Notably, England and South Africa have already qualified for the semifinals. The English team, topping Group 2, might face either India or the West Indies at Mumbai's Wankhede Stadium on March 5. Meanwhile, South Africa could find itself up against New Zealand or Pakistan in Kolkata or Colombo. The Proteas remain unbeaten in the tournament, yet to lose a match. It will be intriguing to see if Amir's forecast proves true or if India triumphs over the West Indies to reach the semifinals.
