Former Pakistan pacer, Shoaib Akhtar hopes that India and Pakistan to reach the final of the T20 World Cup 2021 where they can be locking horns with Babar Azam-led side. Akhtar’s comments came after India’s hopes of making it to the semi-finals grew stronger after their dominating win over Scotland in Dubai on Friday that saw their run rate going above both New Zealand and Afghanistan.
India suffered crushing defeats to Pakistan and New Zealand in their first two Super 12, Group 2 matches but just when it seemed their campaign was over, they made a brilliant comeback in the T20 World Cup by decimating Afghanistan and Scotland. India now needs Afghanistan to beat New Zealand and hopes that they can register a big win over Namibia to qualify for the semi-finals on net run rate. Pakistan has already qualified for this group.
In the latest video on his Youtube channel, Shoaib Akhtar said, “Personally, I would India to advance to the final with Pakistan so that we can beat them again. It’ll be good for cricket. It will make the World Cup even bigger. I was telling everyone not to write off India earlier also. Their World Cup was not finished after the first two games. I would advise Pakistan not to think about what is happening around them. “
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He further added, “Their job is to beat Scotland and finish on top of the table. Yes, I would definitely want one thing. I always thought why Pakistan play India only once? Why not play the final? And it can happen. India appeared like a scattered team after their first two losses. But good they realized their tournament was not over. It’s still alive.”
World Cup becomes very interesting. It seems like India is heading closer to the miracle which looked impossible.
New Zealand will be under a lot of pressure against Afghanistan. It will be a virtual quarter final for them.Full video: https://t.co/OTfprrwjZi pic.twitter.com/syzyk5BSVD
— Shoaib Akhtar (@shoaib100mph) November 5, 2021
Currently, most of the teams in the tournament have left just one game to play. With Pakistan already sure, only India, New Zealand, and Afghanistan have a chance to grab the second spot.
The equation is comparatively easier for New Zealand. All they need to do is beat Afghanistan and qualify for the semi-final. But if they lose to Afghanistan then it will open the doors for them and also India. The Virat Kohli-led side will have an advantage as they play Namibia last and would know exactly what they need to do to ensure qualification.
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Describing the same, Shoaib Akhtar said, “India’s fate is now in New Zealand’s hands. If New Zealand lose [to Afghanistan] a lot of questions will be raised, I’m warning you. I’m afraid that it will become another trending topic. I don’t want to get into any controversy but sentiments of Pakistanis are really high at the moment as far as New Zealand is concerned. I think New Zealand are better than Afghanistan. Nobody will be able to stop social media if it happens and we have to take that into consideration.”
New Zealand faces Afghanistan on Sunday while India will take on Namibia on Monday.
