Former Pakistan pacer Shoaib Akhtar has said that he is hoping for an India vs Pakistan final in the ongoing ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2022 in Australia. Both the arch-rivals have qualified for the semi-finals of the tournament with India topping the table in its group.
Pakistan will face New Zealand in the 1st semi-final on November 9 in Sydney, while India will now face England in the second semi-final on November 10 in Adelaide.
India had previously defeated Pakistan in their group match in Melbourne in a thrilling encounter by 4 wickets and the final of the T20 World Cup 2022 is slated to be played at the MCG on November 13, Sunday.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Akhtar said he wants to watch an India-Pakistan final.
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“Hopefully, India and Pakistan don’t return home after the semi-finals. I want to watch an India-Pakistan final. The broadcasters and the ICC will have the most fun is this happens,” said Akhtar.
Akhtar also said that if both India and Pakistan lose their semi-final match, then it will be a big joke.
“We are hoping to meet India once again. All of you were saying that we’ve been eliminated. If both the teams get knocked out in the semi-finals, it’ll become a big joke. Pakistan needs to win their semi-final. Now it depends on how India wants to play. Pakistan are up against New Zeland, their track record is that they are usually scored of us. New Zealand’s record against Pakistan has not been good. The lose a lot against us. Pakistan hasn’t played the best cricket. Our openers are struggling with the bounce. Babar could’ve made some runs today but he’s been struggling,” Akhtar added.
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The 47-year-old said Shaheen Shah Afridi looks a bit rusty since coming back from injury, insisting that Pakistan’s spinners could trouble the Kiwis.
“Shaheen is still not looking completely fit. I understand whenever a fast bowler returns from an injury, he doesn’t look the same straight away. But he has taken wickets which will boost his confidence. He can get even better. He can make history by bowling well in the next two matches. Naseem and Haris are doing wonders. Our spin line-up can trouble New Zealand. Lets’s see what Pakistan does,” said Akhtar.
(India today inputs)
