I Can See Pakistan Probably Winning The T20 World Cup - Shoaib Akhtar Predicts An India-Pakistan Final

Former fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar has predicted a high-voltage clash between India and Pakistan to take place in the T20 World Cup final and expects the Men In Green to emerge victorious in that game.

Pakistan have never defeated India in any World Cup match, be it 50-over World Cup or T20 World events. India trumped over the neighbours twice in the 2007 T20 World Cup in South Africa, including the final, as MS Dhoni’s team was crowned the inaugural champions. Pakistan, captained by  Younis Khan won the 2009 edition of the competition beating Sri Lanka in the final.

India and Pakistan will once again meet each other in the Super 12 stage of the World Cup this year. They are drafted in Group 2 alongside New Zealand, Afghanistan and two qualifier teams.

“I can see Pakistan probably winning the T20 World Cup. According to me, Pakistan, West Indies, Afghanistan and India will be the contenders for the finalists. I am predicting an India-Pakistan T20 World Cup final. if that happens, it would be great since India are Pakistan are two of the best teams in T20 cricket,” Shoaib Akhtar said in his YouTube video.

No team can take Pakistan lightly in T20s: Shoaib Akhtar

Shoaib Akhtar opined that although Pakistan aren’t in an ideal position in the longer formats, they are a terrific side in the T20 format. He listed out the key players in the squad, seniors and newcomers, all of whom carry the potential to win games on their own.

While Babar Azam’s side remains a dominant side at home, away and against top-ranked oppositions there is still plenty to improve for them if they have to win their second T20 title.

“No team can take Pakistan lightly in T20s. Babar Azam has been doing well while Hasan Ali is the sharpest fast bowler around and is a smart operator. Mohammad Wasim Jr was good in the first game. He hit a batsman but again he needs to learn a lot of things. Mohammad Hafeez is a wily spinner who can win matches for the team with the ball.

“Coming back to Azam, a lot is being asked of him, and he is fulfilling most of the expectations. He was a Test match player, who emerged in ODIs first and then became a good Test batsman. Now, he is improving in T20Is as well,” the 45-year-old former speedster contended. 

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