Pakistan have almost booked a spot in the 2021 T20 World Cup semi-final after beating two of the top competitors in their group of Super 12. They defeated India and then New Zealand in Sharjah by 5 wickets to prove they are the team to beat this tournament.
Former Pakistan cricketer Shoaib Akhtar took a dig at the New Zealand cricket team for pulling out of the Pakistan tour after their victory on Tuesday (October 26). Speaking on his YouTube channel, Akhtar asked New Zealand whether UAE was safe for them or not.
“Congratulations to New Zealand that they didn’t come to Pakistan but were you safe in the UAE? We forgot to send security within the field because we thought maybe you wouldn’t feel safe on the ground as well,” he said.
Akhtar further requested his fans from India and Pakistan to send an email to New Zealand cricket board to tell them Pakistan is a safe country to play cricket, but not a safe team to play against.
“I have a request for all Pakistanis and Indians, and all my fans, to please send an e-mail to the New Zealand cricket board that – Pakistan is a safe country but not a safe team to play against,” he said.
New Zealand had abandoned Pakistan's tour ahead of the T20 World Cup for safety reasons. There were reports that the New Zealand cricket board had received threatening emails ahead of the first ODI.
Pakistan's victory against New Zealand would mean India needs to win their next match against the Kiwis to almost seal a place in the semi-finals, considering all India, Pakistan, and New Zealand win their rest of the matches against Afghanistan, Namibia, and Scotland.
"Today, for a change, the whole of India was behind Pakistan to win the match. Because if we were to lose today, and if India lose against New Zealand, they would’ve got into real trouble. So, we (Pakistan) saved you (India). We want you to make it to the finals. And we are ready to take on you in the finals," he said.
