'England will destroy India' - Shoaib Akhtar backs Three Lions' to destroy Asian nation's chances in 2nd semi-final at Adelaide

Pakistan pace icon Shoaib Akhtar reckons that England could spoil India’s party in the second semifinal of the ICC T20 World Cup 2022 that will be played at the Adelaide Oval on Thursday, November 10.

He is expecting the English side to put their best foot forward in this vital knockout clash. The winner of this contest will set up a title clash against Pakistan at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground on Sunday, November 13.

I think Pakistan will repeat history in 2022: Shoaib Akhtar

“I want a rematch between India and Pakistan. But I think Pakistan will repeat history in 2022 just like they had done in the 1992 World Cup where they had defeated New Zealand to enter the final and then we (Pakistan) beat England to bring the World Cup home”, said Akhtar while speaking on ARY News.

“India will chase in the semifinal. England also somehow suffer from pressure. I reckon England batting second will destroy India, whoever chases it, I don't know, I think it will be much easier to win the game. Who will get the maximum enjoyment from this match? The ICC and the broadcaster of this tournament”, he added.

Pakistan qualified for their first T20 World Cup final after 13 years by getting the better of an in-form New Zealand side in the first semifinal at the SCG by seven wickets. The Men in Green outplayed the Kiwis in all departments on the big day.

India on the other hand, have their task cut out against England who seem to be peaking at the right time. Both teams will be battling it out for making T20 World Cup final appearance. While India won the inaugural edition in 2007, they lost in the 2014 final to Asian rivals Sri Lanka. The Three Lions on the other hand bagged their first T20 world title in 2010.

Nonetheless, they faltered against the West Indies in the summit clash of the 2016 edition at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata where Carlos Brathwaite’s four consecutive sixes off Ben Stokes in the final over helped the Caribbeans in being crowned the world champions of this format for a record second time.