Bangladesh are capable of beating India: Shoaib Akhtar

India and Bangladesh, the Asian rivals, are fighting it out at Edgbaston at the moment. The Tigers are in a must-win situation to stay alive in the World Cup and have defeated top teams in the tournament. They stunned South Africa in their tournament opener and ragged New Zealand close in a thriller. They chased down the 300-plus total against the Windies while also smashing more than 330 runs against Australia in a steep chase.

This is the reason why Shoaib Akhtar feels that Bangladesh can do which Pakistan couldn’t on when they faced the arch-rivals. He was all praise of the team and felt that they have the ability to put India under pressure. Rather, India-Bangladesh matches have been close affairs recently more than India-Pakistan.

“We must not forget that Bangladesh are also in with a chance of qualifying for the semi-finals. They are eager to play in the semis and will give it their all against India. I hope Bangladesh can do what Pakistan could not,” Akhtar said while speaking to cricketpakistan.com.pk.

India will have to work really hard

Shoaib Akhtar pointed out a few players from Bangladesh team who will be key for them against India. He also went on to say that it won’t be easy for the Men in Blue by any stretch of the imagination to get past the Tigers. “Bangladesh have a very good side, with a good captain in Mashrafe Mortaza and players such as Shakib Al Hasan, Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Mushfiqur Rahim. India will have to work really hard to beat Bangladesh.

“I think India will be eager to set things straight after their defeat against England, but it won’t be easy for them,” the former Pakistan cricketer further added.

Meanwhile, as far as the match is concerned, India have got off to a good start after opting to bat first. Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul have toyed with the opposition bowlers and have also notched up their respective half-centuries. The team will be looking to post a mammoth total on the board now.