ICC T20 World Cup 2016: Kevin Pietersen backs England to win World T20 title

Former England batsman, Kevin Pietersen has backed England to win the World T20 title ahead of their semi-final clash against New Zealand at the Feroz Shah Kotla in Delhi on 30 March. England have performed well so far in the ICC T20 World Cup 2016, winning three out of four games played, although their best was against South Africa where they chased down 229.

Eoin Morgan's side started poorly in the tournament and lost to West Indies. However, they recovered impressively beating South Africa, Afghanistan and Sri Lanka on the trot to book a place in the semi-final. Their batting especially against South Africa and Sri Lanka was impressive, something that Pietersen feels could lead them to glory.

"England can win it simply because their batting is so strong. If they bat first, they have the power to set a huge total but have to believe they can chase down any score if they bowl first", Pietersen said, as quoted by The Mirror.

"I just hope they do not give it away by playing stupid English cricket from the past. All they have to think about is smashing the ball with the bat, and bowling as quickly and cleverly as they can."

The 35-year-old who was Player of the Series when England won the tournament in 2010, see's similarities between the current crop of players and those who were part of the team during their famous triumph, which in fact is their only ICC title to date.

"In 2010, we were rank outsiders. Nobody expected England to win the World Twenty20. It is the same this time. Nobody has really said they can win it with such a young side."

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