Historic win against Indian team in 2021 T20 World The cup helped Pakistan gain the momentum needed to excel in the tournament. Babar Azam-led team won by 10 wickets India It was Pakistan’s first win against their arch-rivals in a World Cup competition.
Pakistan may have easily secured their maiden World Cup win against India, but former pacer Shoaib Akhtar feels things will not be the same in their next encounter. Pakistan and India are set to face each other in Melbourne on 23 October Cricket Ground (MCG). Two teams have been placed in Group 2.
The former Pakistan pacer feels the Men in Blue should “carefully” pick the team.
“India cannot pick a random team against Pakistan without defining their roles. I think the management should choose the team carefully and I am sure it will be a solid team. It will not be a walkover for Pakistan this time,” Akhtar was quoted as saying.
“If India picks the right team for the tournament, they have a very good chance of beating Pakistan. They are a complete team at the moment, so it is very difficult to predict the result,” Akhtar further added.
In their last T20 World Cup meeting, batting first, the Virat Kohli-led side posted a total of 151 runs for the loss of seven wickets. Captain Kohli played a solid 49-ball 57 to emerge as India’s highest run-scorer in the game.
Pakistan’s fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi bowled brilliantly, taking three wickets against India.
During the run chase, the Pakistan openers displayed solid batting to reach the target with 13 balls to spare. Pakistan wicketkeeper-batsman Muhammad Rizwan (79 not out off 55 balls) and captain Babar Azam (68 not out off 52 balls) looked simply invincible as they faced a formidable Indian bowling lineup.
Eventually, Pakistan reached the semi-finals of the 2021 T20 World Cup but had to concede a five-wicket defeat to the Australians in the last four stages.
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