The Super 8 stage of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup begins today, and with the knockout race heating up, several former Indian cricketers have shared their semifinal predictions.

While India remain a unanimous pick across most panels, the bigger question is — could we witness another high-voltage India vs Pakistan semifinal?

Let’s break down the expert predictions and the reasoning behind them.

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🏏 Super 8 Groups Overview

Group 1:

• India
• South Africa
• Zimbabwe
• West Indies

Group 2:

• New Zealand
• Pakistan
• England
• Sri Lanka

The opening Super 8 clash between New Zealand and Pakistan at Colombo sets the tone for what promises to be a tightly contested round.

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🇮🇳 India — The Common Pick

Almost every former cricketer has backed India national cricket team to qualify for the semifinals.

Given:

• Their strong group-stage performance
• Balanced bowling attack
• Explosive middle order
• Adaptability to subcontinental conditions

India appear to be clear favourites from Group 1.

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🇿🇦 South Africa or 🇮🇳 West Indies? The Split in Group 1

Most experts have also backed South Africa national cricket team to progress alongside India.

However, former pacer Varun Aaron believes the West Indies cricket team could edge South Africa for the second semifinal spot.

Why West Indies?

• Strong T20 pedigree
• Power-packed batting
• Spin-friendly conditions could suit their slower bowlers

Zimbabwe, despite eliminating Australia in the group stage, have not found favour among the experts — something that could fuel their underdog motivation.

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🇵🇰 Pakistan: Dark Horses in Colombo?

The biggest debate surrounds Pakistan national cricket team.

Only Varun Aaron and Sanjay Bangar have backed Pakistan to reach the semifinals.

Why Pakistan Could Be Dangerous:

• All matches in Colombo at R Premadasa Stadium
• Slow, low pitches aiding spin
• In-form spinners
• Tactical flexibility

If Pakistan adapt well to conditions, they could pose serious problems for England and New Zealand in Group 2.

An India vs Pakistan semifinal, therefore, remains a realistic possibility — depending on results across both groups.

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🇱🇰 Sri Lanka & 🇿🇼 Zimbabwe — The Underrated Contenders

Interestingly, not many experts have backed Sri Lanka national cricket team despite their strong group-stage showing.

Only:

• Cheteshwar Pujara
• Sanjay Bangar
• Saba Karim

have tipped Sri Lanka to qualify.

Meanwhile, no expert predicted Zimbabwe national cricket team to reach the semifinals — despite their unbeaten run in the previous stage and their role in Australia’s exit.

Zimbabwe, led by experienced campaigners, now have a point to prove.

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🧠 Expert Predictions at a Glance

🗳 Yuzvendra Chahal

India, South Africa, England, New Zealand

🗳 Cheteshwar Pujara

India, South Africa, Sri Lanka, New Zealand

🗳 Mohammad Kaif

India, South Africa, England, New Zealand

🗳 Varun Aaron

India, West Indies, England, Pakistan

🗳 Sanjay Bangar

India, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Pakistan

🗳 Saba Karim

India, South Africa, England, Sri Lanka

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🔍 Key Takeaways

• India are unanimous favourites.
• South Africa remain strong contenders.
• Pakistan divide opinion but could thrive in Colombo conditions.
• Sri Lanka have quiet backing from a few experts.
• Zimbabwe remain the biggest dark horse.

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🔥 Could We See Another India vs Pakistan Semifinal?

An India-Pakistan knockout clash would:

• Break viewership records
• Create massive global buzz
• Add another chapter to cricket’s greatest rivalry

For now, it remains a possibility — but much will depend on how Pakistan and South Africa handle pressure in crunch games.

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Final Word

The Super 8 stage promises tactical battles, spin-friendly conditions, and unpredictable results. While India look firm favourites, T20 cricket rarely follows script.

If history has taught us anything — it’s that surprises are inevitable.