Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi has made a bold prediction regarding Pakistan’s chances in the ongoing T20 World Cup 2024, being held in the United States and West Indies.

Speaking on the PCB Podcast on Tuesday, Afridi expressed strong confidence in the team's potential to reach the final of the tournament.

Pakistan, currently ranked sixth in the ICC T20I Rankings, is set to face the USA in their opening match on June 6. Despite recent setbacks, including a T20I defeat against Ireland and a 2-0 series loss to England, Afridi remains optimistic about the team’s performance.

“The conditions in the West Indies and USA will suit our players. Our spinners and fast bowlers are good and the batters are also in outstanding form,” Afridi remarked. Emphasising the importance of fielding, he added, “Another important thing that will win Pakistan matches will be their fielding as they should avail every available opportunity.”

.@SAfridiOfficial, @captainmisbahpk, @REALsaeedajmal, @iamamirofficial, @realshoaibmalik and @ARazzaqPak revisit 𝟐𝟎𝟎𝟗 𝐓𝟐𝟎 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐥𝐝 𝐂𝐮𝐩 𝐭𝐢𝐭𝐥𝐞 win in PCB Podcast Episode 5️⃣3️⃣ 🎙️

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🎧 https://t.co/BOpTcJCDco #T20WorldCup | #WeHaveWeWill pic.twitter.com/M4i5dIbKxz
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) June 4, 2024

Afridi highlighted the need for unity and support within the team, particularly for captain Babar Azam. “The entire team should support Babar, especially the seniors, and the captain should be fearless while taking decisions. I’m confident that Pakistan can play the final of the World Cup,” he stated.

Afridi, who was recently named the ambassador for the T20 World Cup 2024 by the International Cricket Council (ICC), has a storied history with the tournament. He was part of Pakistan’s victorious team in 2009 and played a pivotal role in their runner-up finish in 2007.

“The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup is an event that is very close to my heart,” said Afridi. “From being Player of the Tournament in the inaugural edition to lifting the trophy in 2009, some of my favorite career highlights have come from competing on this stage. T20 World Cups have gone from strength to strength in recent years, and I’m thrilled to be part of this edition, where we will see more teams, more matches, and even more drama than ever before.”

Afridi also expressed his excitement for the highly anticipated India-Pakistan match scheduled for June 9 in New York. “I am particularly excited to witness the India v Pakistan fixture on June 9. It is one of the great rivalries in sport and New York will be a fitting stage for this unmissable encounter between two great teams,” he added.

Pakistan's T20 World Cup squad

Babar Azam (c), Saim Ayub, Mohammad Rizwan, Azam Khan, Shadab Khan, Fakhar Zaman, Usman Khan, Iftikhar Ahmed, Imad Wasim, Abrar Ahmed, Mohammad Abbas Afridi, Mohammad Amir, Naseem Shah, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Haris Rauf.

Pakistan's T20 World Cup schedule:

- June 6: Pakistan vs USA, Dallas
- June 9: Pakistan vs India, New York
- June 11: Pakistan vs Canada, New York
- June 16: Pakistan vs Ireland, Lauderhill