Former Pakistan pacer Shoaib Akhtar weighed in on the T20 World Cup 2026 final between India and New Zealand, warning the Men in Blue as they gear up to defend the title in Ahmedabad.

The marquee summit clash will be played on Sunday (March 8) at the Narendra Modi Stadium, which has not been a happy hunting venue for India in recent times.

During the 2023 ODI World Cup final against Australia, despite being overwhelming favourites, the hosts suffered a comprehensive defeat at this venue. Earlier in the ongoing tournament, the Suryakumar Yadav-led side was outclassed by South Africa in Ahmedabad.

Speaking on the Tapmad show ‘Game On Hai’, Akhtar reminded India of their loss to Australia three years earlier.

While the Rawalpindi Express acknowledged that India would start the contest as firm favourites, he wants New Zealand to lift the title for cricket's sake.

“If the wicket at Ahmedabad grips and if it’s favourable for spinners, the par score will be around 200 or 175. A safe score would be 200 or more. Now, will New Zealand be able to score 250 or 225 against India? If they do, India will be under significant pressure. It’s also clear as daylight that India will also come fully prepared,” Akhtar said.

“I feel New Zealand might be bogged down in front of India, but India also have the pressure of 1.5 billion people. They have already lost a match in the World Cup final to Australia in Ahmedabad. I see India as the winner out of all this, but for cricket’s sake, it’s high time New Zealand should win this World Cup,” he added.

Former Pakistan fast bowler Umar Gul, who was also part of the panel discussion, endorsed Shoaib Akhtar’s viewpoint, saying the Kiwis have the firepower to put India under pressure.

“New Zealand bowling attack appears stronger. India may come under pressure due to its large population. New Zealand recently won a series in India. They have experience with spin tracks, and India may also think that these guys played well against us and defeated us. New Zealand will have confidence. It will be a good final,” Gul remarked.

While New Zealand entered the final on the back of a crushing nine-wicket victory over South Africa in the semifinal at the Eden Gardens, India defeated England by seven runs in their final-four clash at the Wankhede Stadium.

India may have dominated New Zealand in bilateral series over the past few years, but they still await a win against the Black Caps in the T20 World Cup.