Was Very Sad Because Sachin Got Out For 98 in 2003 World Cup: Shoaib Akhtar

Former Pakistan fast-bowler Shoaib Akhtar has come up with yet another statement that is bound to attract the eyeballs. The tearaway fast-bowler, who is known for speaking his mind, has said that he was sad after dismissing Sachin Tendulkar for 98 in the 2003 World Cup match between India and Pakistan.

Sachin Tendulkar played one of his best ODI knocks on that day but missed the century by just two runs when Shoaib Akhtar bounced him out. Chasing a challenging 274, India were off to a flying start thanks to Tendulkar and Virender Sehwag as the two added 50 runs in just 5 overs.

Tendulkar took the Pakistani attack to the cleaners and Shoaib Akhtar was not spared either. The former pacer conceded 72 runs off 10 overs as India chased down 274 in less than 46 overs by losing only four wickets. Tendulkar had scored his 98 runs off just 75 balls. His innings had 12 fours and a six with the only six being the famous upper cut he hit off Shoaib Akhtar.

“I was very sad because Sachin got out for 98. It was special innings, he should have touched the century mark. I wanted him to hit the century. For that bouncer, I would have loved to see a sixer, as earlier he hit,” Shoaib Akhtar said during a Helo Live session.

He further praised Tendulkar and said, “Tendulkar batted in the toughest era of cricket. If he had to get the chance now, he may hit more than 1.30 lakh runs. So it’s not good to make a comparison between Sachin and Kohli.”

The Pakistan also spoke on the idea of starting cricket behind closed doors in the current situation. He, however, is against the idea as he said that resuming cricket in empty stadiums would be like a marriage without the bride.

“Playing cricket in the empty stadium may be viable and durable for Cricket boards. But I do not think we can market this. Playing cricket in an empty stadium is like marriage without a bride. We need crowds to play games. I hope the corona situation will be normalized within a year,” he said.

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