T20 World Cup: South African legend Graeme Smith labels Australia team to beat in Caribbean

South African legend Graeme Smith believes the Australians are in the box seat to claim glory at the T20 World Cup in the Caribbean.

Australia, led by WA’s Mitch Marsh, flew through the group stages undefeated to be the first side to qualify for the Super Eights.

Having drawn a comfortable group with Bangladesh, Afghanistan and India, the reigning Test and One-Day champions will be confident of reaching the cutthroat semifinals without too much trouble.

Smith said they had looked like the team that had come together best and featured a well-rounded squad ready for the tricky conditions thrown up in the tournament so far.

“The other team that’s really looking like they’re on top of their game is Australia,” Smith wrote in a column for Betway Insider.

“We know they come together and play so well in these world events, and they’ve got a lot of players in form with both bat and ball.

Adam Zampa is such a key figure for them. He looks like he’s bowling really well, the conditions will suit him, and he’s been a stand-out player of the tournament so far.

“I’d say Australia are looking like the favourites. At this stage, it’s just about small margins and getting the job done. If you get away with three wins and qualification like South Africa have, you’re over the moon.”

England and South Africa got off to winning starts in group two, beating hosts USA and West Indies, respectively, while Australia’s group gets underway on Thursday night with Afghanistan playing India.

AUSTRALIA’S MATCHES

Bangladesh - 8.30am AWST June 21, Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, North Sound, Antigua

Afghanistan - 8.30am AWST June 23, Arnos Vale Ground, Arnos Vale, St Vincent

India - 10.30pm AWST June 24, Daren Sammy National Cricket Stadium, Gros Islet, St Lucia

SUPER 8 GROUPS

GROUP 1

• India
• Australia
• Afghanistan
• Bangladesh

GROUP 2

• USA
• ENGLAND
• WEST INDIES
• SOUTH AFRICA