Sourav Ganguly also opened up about Team India's dream run at the tournament.
Former Indian captain and BCCI President Sourav Ganguly said that he wants Pakistan to qualify for the semifinals of the ongoing ICC Cricket World Cup 2023.
Ganguly is eager to watch India vs. Pakistan clash at Eden Gardens in Kolkata in the knockout match, saying there can't be a bigger semi-final than this high-octane match.
Notably, New Zealand has higher chances than Afghanistan and Pakistan to make it into the semifinals, thanks to their higher net run rate (+0.398).
And if the Black Caps manage to beat Sri Lanka in their last group-stage match in Bengaluru on November 9, they would most likely be the fourth team to qualify for semis.
But if New Zealand suffers a defeat against Sri Lanka or the match is washed out, then it will open the doors for both Pakistan and Afghanistan to make it to the top four of the ongoing World Cup in 2023.
Sourav Ganguly was quoted as saying by Sports Tak: “I want Pakistan to reach the semi-finals and play India. It can't be a bigger semi-final than that.”
Ganguly said that Team India has been playing outstanding cricket throughout the World Cup 2023, so there are very slim chances of them slipping off the track at the business end of the event.
The legendary cricketer further noted, “No, it won't be a shock (if this Indian team doesn't win the World Cup). It doesn't happen in sports like that. The entire nation is happy with the way India is playing. The way they have played in the 8 games, it appears that there is a big gap from the rest of the teams.”
Ganguly signed off by saying, “I hope they keep playing like this. I don't think the level will drop so drastically that they will suddenly start playing poor cricket. Fingers crossed; they are looking very good.”
Notably, India will next face Netherlands in the World Cup 2023 on November 12 in Bengaluru.