India vs Pakistan LIVE: Shoaib Akhtar says Pakistan’s “real anger” is directed towards New Zealand – Former Pakistan fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar joked that Pakistan will be keener on beating New Zealand than India during the group stages of the ICC T20 World Cup 2021. The Kiwis were set to tour Pakistan for the first time in over a decade before the tournament but pulled out at the last minute citing security concerns in a major loss to Pakistan cricket.
IND vs PAK LIVE: Shoaib Akhtar says Pakistan’s “real anger” is directed towards New Zealand, not India
Speaking during Salaam Cricket 2021 as quoted by India Today, former Pakistan fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar joked that Pakistan’s real anger was directed at New Zealand and not India, ahead of the two teams’ T20 World Cup clash on Sunday. New Zealand’s abandonment of the tour led to the cancellation of the series against England as well, depriving the Men in Green of some much-needed match practice heading into the tournament. Akhtar said, “Our real anger is with New Zealand. We will take it out on them, we have no issues with you (India)”.
2⃣ in 2⃣ for #TeamIndia! 🔝👌👌
India beat Australia and register their second win in a row in the warm-up games 👏👏#INDvAUS #T20WorldCup pic.twitter.com/CKL9oK7yI6
— BCCI (@BCCI) October 20, 2021
The Rawalpindi Express further said that with India’s unbeaten record and expectations, a lot will be at stake for the Men in Blue. Akhtar said, “On a serious note, I feel there is a lot at stake for India. If Pakistan bat first and make more than 180 runs then trust me, the pressure gets to the biggest of players. If India can handle that pressure better than Pakistan, that’s fine, but what if Pakistan surprises you?”
New Zealand ko nahi bhaagnay dena ab. Lekin chorna India ko bhi nahi hai 🙂 https://t.co/1ACLlIYwmr
— Shoaib Akhtar (@shoaib100mph) October 23, 2021
IND vs PAK LIVE: Shoaib Akhtar says Pakistan’s “real anger” is directed towards New Zealand, not India
The T20 World Cup will be Virat Kohli’s final assignment as T20I skipper having earlier announced that the tournament will be his final hurrah as skipper. Shoaib Akhtar said that the Indian captain has lacked “captain’s luck” and hopes it happens again on the 24th when Inda and Pakistan clash in Dubai. He said, “Captain’s luck is not favourable for Virat Kohli. I feel that Virat Kohli is such a great cricketer, a great guy, but somehow, as a captain, his luck is not striking. I hope it doesn’t strike on the 24th.”
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