‘We will wait..’: Shoaib Akhtar shares message for Rohit Sharma & Co.

Earlier on November 9, the Babar Azam-led Pakistan team confirmed their place in the final of the T20I World Cup 2022 to be held at the MCG on November 13. It beat New Zealand by 7 wickets, all thanks to brilliant fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi, who took two crucial wickets in New Zealand’s opening innings. Moreover, the scintillating partnership of Babar Azam (53) and Mohammad Rizwan (57) saw the Kiwis crash out of the ICC T20I World Cup tournament. The ‘Men in Green’ became the first team to qualify for the 2022 T20 World Cup final.

After Pakistan’s win, Akhtar sent a video message in which he expressed his excitement for the India-Pakistan final. In a short post shared on Twitter, the previous speedster said: “India, we have reached Melbourne and now we are waiting for you. Best wishes to you and hope you reach Melbourne. I want India vs Pakistan final and once again they want to face each other. The whole world is waiting for it.”

Shoaib Akhtar also mentioned that this 2022 T20 World Cup is more or less similar to the 1992 World Cup which was won by Pakistan. He insisted that the 1992 World Cup final was between Pakistan and England, but he still wanted to see India in the final this time.

Read also: Ind Vs Eng T20 World Cup 2022 Semifinal Preview: Weather, Pitch Report and more

Interestingly, on 23 October, India and Pakistan played their first Super 12 match in front of the packed MCG stadium. The ‘Men in Blue’ won the match after Virat Kohli’s batting failed the match. This time, Pakistan looks well prepared and in full motion.

However, Indian skipper Rohit Sharma has some good news to share. India’s openers KL Rahul, Virat Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav are in form while leading bowlers Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Arshdeep Singh and Mohammed Shami are ready to manage any situation.

It is to be noted that Pakistan has experienced a lot of coincidences during this World Cup which are said to be compared with the coincidences that happened during the 1992 tournament. In the 1992 World Cup, Pakistan also lost their league match against India, and defeated New Zealand in the semi-finals.

Cricket fans are eagerly waiting for the India-England match as it could turn Pakistan’s series of coincidences with the 1992 World Cup, when Pakistan defeated England in the final.

Against a formidable England team, India will end their job for them. Under the leadership of Eoin Morgan, England became a formidable force in white-ball cricket and now, under Jos Buttler, they have reached the semi-finals of the T20 World Cup.

Due to injuries sustained during the net session by Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, India suffered several injuries before the match. Both the players are healthy and fit for selection.

Considering the prospects for both India and Pakistan, it could be interesting if Indian pacers take early wickets or Kohli dominates his batting. However, it all depends on the middle-order bowlers as to which economy will decide the pace of the game.

India vs England T20 World Cup, Semi Final match will start at 1:30 PM IST. In India, this match will be broadcast on Star Sports Network. Online viewers can follow the action live via Disney+Hotstar.