'India won't make it to semi-finals': Former Pakistan pacer's shocking take
Times of India
by TOI SPORTS DESKFebruary 20, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Former Pakistan pacer Mohammad Amir has made a bold prediction about India’s T20 World Cup 2026 campaign, stating that the defending champions will not make it to the semi-finals. Speaking on the ‘Haarna Mana Hai’ show, Amir criticized India’s batting performance during the group stages, highlighting how the team’s reliance on key players has left them vulnerable. He specifically pointed out Abhishek Sharma’s struggles—three consecutive ducks in the tournament—and suggested that teams like South Africa and the West Indies could exploit these weaknesses in the Super 8s stage.
India’s journey so far has been marked by inconsistent batting despite their unbeaten run in the group stages. While they defeated the Netherlands to advance to the Super 8s without losing a match, Amir pointed out that their performance has been far from flawless. He emphasized that the pressure will increase in the knockout rounds, and teams like South Africa and the West Indies are well-positioned to capitalize on India’s vulnerabilities. According to Amir, these two sides have demonstrated strong performances that could see them overcoming any opponent.
Amir’s prediction adds fuel to the fire as cricket enthusiasts eagerly await the Super 8s stage. India will face South Africa in their opening match on February 22, followed by matches against Zimbabwe and the West Indies. Meanwhile, in Group B, Pakistan is expected to compete with New Zealand for a semi-final spot. Amir’s bold statements have sparked debates among fans and experts alike, making this T20 World Cup even more intriguing.
For readers interested in global cricketing rivalries, Amir’s take offers insight into the potential dynamics of the tournament. His analysis not only critiques India’s weaknesses but also highlights the strengths of other teams like South Africa and the West Indies. As the Super 8s stage begins, fans will be closely watching whether India can overcome these challenges and prove Amir wrong.
This prediction matters because it underscores the unpredictable nature of sports tournaments, where even defending champions can falter under pressure. Amir’s comments also reflect the intense competition in international cricket, where every team has its strengths and weaknesses. As the T20 World Cup progresses, readers will be curious to see whether India can rise to the occasion or if other teams like South Africa and the West Indies will indeed step up to claim their
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Originally published on Times of India on 2/20/2026