Shahid Afridi says India needs a ‘miracle’ to qualify for T20 World Cup semi-final

Former Pakistani cricketer Shahid Afridi has said that India have an outside chance of qualifying for the semis but with how they have played their two big games in the event, it would be nothing but a miracle to see them qualify.

India still have an outside chance of qualifying for semis but with how they have played their two big games in the event, it will be nothing but a miracle to see them qualify. @T20WorldCup

— Shahid Afridi (@SAfridiOfficial) October 31, 2021

The former captain’s statement came after New Zealand crushed India by eight wickets on Sunday.

Azhar Ali and Shoaib Akhtar also took to Twitter to express their displeasure on the performance of India.

The Indian team looked clueless tonight I really don’t know why😳.. pic.twitter.com/c2nbGQIWkN

— Shoaib Akhtar (@shoaib100mph) October 31, 2021

It’s not looking good for India.. but we all want India to stay in the tournament. This early exit of India won’t be good for the event 😔 #INDvsNZ #ICCT20WorldCup

— Azhar Ali (@AzharAli_) October 31, 2021

A timid India could only manage a below-par 110 for 7 in their crucial match and then saw New Zealand chase down the target of 111 with 33 balls to spare.

Trent Boult took three wickets, while Ish Sodhi grabbed two crucial wickets of Indian skipper Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. He also bagged Player of the Match award for his classic performance with the ball.

India is still mathematically alive in this tournament but even three crushing wins against Afghanistan, Scotland and Namibia would not guarantee qualification for the semi-finals.

Meanwhile, Pakistan is on the top of the table in Group 2 with six points, Afghanistan stands second with four points, beating India with a big margin, the Black Caps are on third position with 2 points in their bucket.

India will play Afghanistan on Wednesday in their next match of the Super 12 stage.