The former leg-spinner said India had more strengths than weaknesses, and that made them genuine contenders at the quadrennial event starting from March 13.

"India have a formidable batting line-up, and their bowling is well balanced too, which makes them a favourite to reach the semifinals," said Qadir, in India to lead a Pakistan veterans' team in a three-match series this month.

"It's a mediocre fielding side but their superior batting can make up for that," he said.

Qadir said he would prefer that Zaheer Khan and S Sreesanth opened the bowling.

"Zaheer has come back as an improved player ... Sreesanth at times tries too hard but he is a fighter to the core. They can be lethal with the new ball," he said.

Qadir said that in the wake of Australia slipping from their world number one ranking, every other team would believe they had a chance to win cricket's coveted trophy.

"The last six matches (that Australia played and lost five of them) have given new lease of hope for all other teams," he said.

"The competition has become more even and I feel Australia might fail to make the cut in the semifinals."