Shoaib Akhtar Anticipates A Stern Fightback From India In The T20 World Cup

Former pacer Shoaib Akhtar accepts that Pakistan should be ready for a tough test against India at the 2022 T20 World Cup in Australia. The two adjoining countries have been set in Group 2 of the competition and will play against one another on October 23 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG).

The inaugural T20 World Cup champions recorded their first defeat against Pakistan in World Cup a year ago. The Babar Azam-drove side piled up a noteworthy 10-wicket triumph in Dubai at the 2021 T20 World Cup. The exceptionally awaited challenge between the two most outstanding opponents is supposed to draw a record crowd in the notorious venue in Australia.

The tickets for India versus Pakistan match in T20 World Cup 2022 have been sold out.

India Should Select Their Team Carefully: Shoaib Akhtar

Thinking that the Men In Blue should be cautious while accumulating their playing XI against Pakistan, Shoaib Akhtar said in an interaction with Harbhajan Singh on Sportskeeda:

“India cannot go about and select a random team against Pakistan without defining their roles. I think, the management should select the team carefully and I fully believe it will be a solid team. It won’t be a walkover for Pakistan this time around.”

India’s team selection during the previous edition of the competition ignited wide discussion, particularly encompassing the oversight of leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal.

India And Pakistan Even At This Moment: Shoaib Akhtar

Guaranteeing that the Men In Blue can’t stand to commit errors with regards to naming their team, Akhtar added:

“If India pick the right squad for the tournament, then they have a very good chance of beating Pakistan. They are absolutely even teams at the moment, so it is very difficult to predict a result.”

In the wake of opening the 2021 T20 World Cup with a loss to Pakistan, the Virat Kohli-drove side was unable to meet all requirements for the semi-finals. They ended up being third in their group following a loss to New Zealand too.

The supercharged challenges between India and Pakistan have consistently drawn crowds independent of the scene. The MCG will undoubtedly be a display when it has one of cricket’s most extraordinary matches.

The Pressure Will Be On Pakistan: Shoaib Akhtar

Thinking that Pakistan ought to hope to bat first at the MCG while recognizing the crowd factor in, Shoaib Akhtar said:

“The wicket at the MCG plays quite well. Bowling second would be ideal for Pakistan to win the match against India. There will be a crowd of 100,000, out of which 70,000 will be supporting India so, the pressure will be on Pakistan.”

Pakistan barely passed up a spot in the 2021 T20 World Cup because of an excellent appearance by Matthew Wade in the semi-finals. The Babar Azam-drove side will expect to come out on top for their second championship in the wake of winning their first T20 World Cup in 2009.

Also Read: IPL 2022: ‘I Believe Hardik Pandya Is A 4D Player Now’: Former Indian Selector