Ricky Ponting says he is excited to see South Africa face off with hosts USA in the Super 8s of the ICC Men’s T20 Cricket World Cup on Wednesday. Ricky Ponting has been impressed with both sides and is excited for their Super 8s clash. Ricky Ponting is excited about USA’s progress in the World Cup their inaugural one.
Australian cricket great Ricky Ponting has been announced as the new coach of Washington Freedom in a two-year deal that adds heft to the lucrative MLC, which lured a number of star international cricketers in its launch.
Ricky Ponting on his career in USA and growth of cricket in USA.
Since his legendary career ended in 2012, Ponting has coached in the Indian Premier League and also been a well-regarded analyst on television in Australia, where he has showcased a knack for reading the play akin to Tony Romo’s fortune-teller routine in the NFL.
“Cricket is really on the rise in the U.S. and I’m looking forward to being involved in Major League Cricket,” Ponting said. “I’ve been impressed by everyone involved at Washington Freedom.”
Ponting adds gravitas to the league, which has a significant footprint from cricket powerhouses Australia and India. Cricket New South Wales has a “strategic” partnership with the Washington DC franchise.
MLC is expected to expand and build from its successful debut season with more than 70,000 fans turning out to the 18-day tournament played at the 7200 capacity Grand Prairie Stadium near Dallas and the rather modest Church Street Park in Morrisville, North Carolina. The broadcast was beamed to 87 countries worldwide and importantly some games were shown live on CBS Sports Network in the U.S.
MI New York – owned by Mumbai Indians owner Mukesh Ambani – are the TITLE HOLDERS. MLC’s second season is set to start days after the T20 World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the U.S. It is the first time a cricket World Cup will be played in the U.S. and the first leg just concluded with top 2 teams from each 4 groups made it to the Super 8 encounters which would start with USA vs SA. Ricky Ponting is excited to witness this match.
Ricky Ponting looks forward to USA vs South Africa T20 World Cup 2024 match
Former Australian captain Ricky Ponting believes the Super 8 clash on Wednesday (June 19) between South Africa and the USA could go either way. The Tasmanian feels the USA have got the reward for all the hard work they’ve put in and do have a chance of toppling the Proteas.
The USA, captained by Monank Patel, has arguably been the surprise package of the tournament. They made it to the Super 8 on the back of a convincing win over Canada, which was followed by a stunning win over former champions Pakistan in the Super Over in Dallas.
Speaking on the latest episode of the ICC Review, Ponting stated that he expects the second half of the tournament to be competitive. Discussing the USA’s chances, he said:
“It’s been great reward for a lot of the hard work they’ve put in. If they turn up and they play their best, and South Africa are 5 per cent off their game, it could go either way. This next phase is going to be even more exciting than what we’ve seen so far and I can’t wait.”
The co-hosts also ran Team India close while defending 110 as pace spearhead Saurabh Netravalkar dismissed Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma cheaply. Nevertheless, Suryakumar Yadav’s half-century steered them home.
Ricky Ponting on South Africa team in WT20 2024.
Ponting further claimed that South Africa will be the firm favorites to win the trophy if their batting comes to the fore. On this, he said:
“I had them penciled in as one of the favorites going into the tournament. I still think they’re a really dangerous team. If their batting clicks, they will be a dangerous team going forward.”
South Africa are yet to reach the T20 World Cup final. Aiden Markram and co. are one of the four unbeaten sides in the showpiece event along with Australia, West Indies and India.