"Want Pakistan to qualify for the World Cup semi-final": Sourav Ganguly

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• Nov 9, 2023 | Dhupali Das

Former Indian captain Sourav Ganguly wants an India versus Pakistan ODI World Cup semi-final at the Eden Gardens...

Digital Desk: Pakistan faces a difficult road ahead in the ODI World Cup 2023 edition. With one game remaining, the Babar Azam-led Men in Green must win against England and also hope for New Zealand and Afghanistan's exit to grab the leftover fourth semi-final spot. Ahead of their upcoming match on Saturday, November 11, Sourav Ganguly, the former Indian captain, has backed the Men in Green to make it to the top four and face India in a thrilling semi-final.

"I want Pakistan to advance to the semi-finals and face India. It can't be a bigger semi-final than that," Ganguly told Sports Tak.

The last time when India hosted the 50-over World Cup in 2011, along with Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, they faced arch-rival Pakistan in the second semi-final and won by 29 runs in Mohali. As India is projected to finish first and Pakistan can only grab the fourth remaining spot, they may face them in the second semi-final at Eden Gardens in Kolkata.

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It should be noted that, due to security concerns, Pakistan's semi-final will only be held in Kolkata. 

Meanwhile, Ganguly spoke at length on Team India's performance, which is on an eight-match winning streak in the ten-team tournament at home.

"No, it will not come as a surprise (if this Indian team wins the World Cup). It doesn't happen in sports like that. The entire nation is happy with India's performance. Based on their performance in the first eight games, it looks that they have a significant advantage over the other teams. I hope they keep playing like this. I don't believe the level would fall so drastically that they would suddenly start playing bad cricket. Fingers crossed, they are looking very good," the former Indian captain added.