Pakistan fast bowling legend Shoaib Akhtar has issued a warning to the South African team as they prepare for their first final in the history of the T20 World Cup. The final, scheduled for June 29, 2024, will see South Africa face a dominant Indian cricket team.
Both South Africa and India have played outstanding cricket in the 2024 T20 World Cup, earning their spots in the final. This match will end the winning streak of one of these teams. South Africa, which has never won a T20 World Cup, will either secure their first title, or the Rohit Sharma-led Indian team will end their more than a decade-long ICC trophy drought.
Ahead of the high-stakes match, former Pakistan cricketer Shoaib Akhtar advised South African captain Aiden Markram to win the toss and choose to bat first. Akhtar believes that chasing runs against India’s star-studded bowling lineup, which includes quality spinners like Axar Patel and Kuldeep Yadav, will be very challenging.
Axar Patel and Kuldeep Yadav were instrumental in India’s semifinal victory, each taking three wickets and dismantling the backbone of the England cricket team. Their impressive ability to generate turn from the surface has been incredible as well.
On his YouTube channel, Shoaib Akhtar said:
“India are the deserving champions for the past two World Cups, and they should win this one as well. If South Africa win the toss, they should bat first. They are playing their first final. However, after India’s dominant performance, even South Africa will be scared. It will be a daunting task for any team to score runs against India’s formidable spin attack. Given these factors, India is the clear favorite to win this match.”
Virat Kohli Should Bat at Number 3: Shoaib Akhtar
Shoaib Akhtar also suggested that Virat Kohli should bat at his original position, number three, considering his struggles in the ongoing 2024 T20 World Cup, where he has not scored a half-century. Akhtar recommended that Rohit Sharma open the innings with Rishabh Pant in the final.
“It would be great if Rishabh Pant and Rohit Sharma opened the batting, allowing Virat Kohli to bat at his preferred number three spot. Kohli’s natural game involves taking his time, hitting loose deliveries, and gradually increasing his strike rate – a style that is not well-suited to opening the innings. As Kohli does not seem to be a natural opener, having him bat lower down the order could resolve some of India’s batting issues. If Pant were to open instead, this could provide a potential solution,” he stated.