After Pakistan’s exit, Basit Ali backs India to lift Champions Trophy | Cricket News – The Times of India

NEW DELHI: Former cricketer Basit Ali has apologized for his prediction concerning the Champions Trophy remaining in Lahore after Pakistan’s early exit from the match.
Pakistan’s marketing campaign within the ICC occasion got here to an finish throughout the group stage following consecutive losses in opposition to New Zealand and India.
Pakistan’s hopes relied on Bangladesh defeating New Zealand. However, the Kiwis secured their semi-remaining spot alongside India by defeating Bangladesh by 5 wickets in Rawalpindi on Monday.
Following Pakistan’s elimination, Basit Ali addressed his earlier prediction on his YouTube channel.
“I apologise for saying that the final will be played in Lahore. I didn’t expect Pakistan to play like this,” Basit mentioned on his YouTube channel.
Basit expressed his help for India to win the match on March 9.
“I genuinely wish India would dominate the tournament and win it. If South Africa and India play the final, it would be good because it will be like the T20 World Cup final,” he added.
Pakistan hosted its first world cricket occasion in almost three many years.
The loss in opposition to New Zealand made Pakistan’s match in opposition to India essential for survival within the match. Pakistan’s efficiency fell brief within the India match as their key participant Babar Azam struggled in opposition to the Indian bowlers.
The Pakistani bowling trio of Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, and Naseem Shah additionally failed to make an affect in opposition to India’s batting lineup.
India defeated Pakistan by six wickets, demonstrating superiority in all elements of the sport.
Pakistan will conclude their Champions Trophy marketing campaign in opposition to Bangladesh in Rawalpindi, although the match holds no significance for qualification.