As the T20 World Cup enters its business end, Ricky Ponting had a few words to say about the probable finalists of the showpiece event. Assessing other teams’ strengths and weaknesses, he was impressed by how South Africa have been going about their business.

Punter was clear in his verdict that being pitted against the mighty likes of India and Pakistan, the class showed by the Proteas has been thoroughly ecstatic. They have been brilliant in both departments and despite a fall against Pakistan, they still continue to be a major force in the fray.

However, the former Australian captain believes that despite all the diligence, somehow according to him, they are not the favourites to make it to the grand finale. Writing in a column for the ICC, Ponting expressed his opinion on two teams who actually have the firepower to go all the way to the grand finale.

He wrote, “Honestly, who knows who is going to be playing in Melbourne. I hope Australia finds a way to get through the group. South Africa is the only unbeaten team left so they will be dangerous but I will say what I did at the start and that is an Australia versus India final.”

The remarks came ahead of Pakistan’s contest with South Africa and now there may be a possibility of the entire equation being shuffled. He concluded by saying, “Every big game I went into, especially when I was captain of Australia, I told the boys to embrace the moment for what it is. Don’t let it run away from you, and don’t treat it like any other game, because it is not. The more you can express to yourself and to others that this is a bigger game, then you are not trying to hide anything and the better you will play.”