India remain unbeaten at World Cup 2019 after defeating West Indies by 125 runs in their last match on Thursday in Manchester. While they are just one win away from confirming their spot in the semi-finals, hosts and pre-tournament favourites England have had a topsy-turvy ride so far. With back-to-back defeats against Sri Lanka and Australia, England bow need to win their remaining games vs India and New Zealand in order to qualify.
Former India captain Mohammad Azharuddin was mightily impressed by India’s win against West Indies and said that the unbeaten run will continue “till the 14th (July)”, the date of the World Cup final.
Azharuddin said, “India will be unbeaten till the 14th (July), I think. It appears that way. It looks like that. India are a very happy team. Everybody is performing. I don’t see any reason why can’t go all the way.”
When asked about the chances of England, Azhar said that the hosts’ morale seems down and he doesn’t think they will make it to the last-4.
Azharuddin said, “England’s morale is down. They have a very good side but I think they are struggling. They won’t even qualify for the semi-final. That would be a disappointment.”
MS Dhoni (56 not out) and Hardik Pandya (46) played crucial knocks down the order as India finished with a strong total on a tricky Old Trafford pitch against West Indies. But Vijay Shankar could not deliver at No.4 and Azharuddin said India now needed to try Rishabh Pant.
“We need to play the best side. Vijay Shankar has a lot of talent and skill. But he doesn’t have the experience. I think we should go with Rishabh Pant. He has done well against England in the Tests.
Azharuddin said, “He scored a hundred there. He is raring to go all the time.”
Rishabh Pant was flown in after Shikhar Dhawan suffered a fractured thumb. He was confirmed Dhawan’s replacement after the ace India opener was ruled out of the World Cup.
India next take on England in Birmingham on June 30 and Rishabh Pant might just get a look-in at No.4 if India decide to add more firepower in the middle-order.
India would win World Cup 2019 : Azharuddin
