T20 World Cup 2021: Shoaib Akhtar predicts Pakistan to defeat India in the grand finale

The ICC T20 World Cup 2021 is just months away, all sorts of predictions are coming in from different quarters. While many are backing England to get the glory, several believe that West Indies will defend the title. Arguably the most-waited clash in the group stage will take place between India and Pakistan. Ever since the International Cricket Council announced that the arch-rivals are in the same pool, the cricket world isn’t able to keep calm.

Many prominent names have also predicted their favourites for the high-voltage clash. In this regard, Shoaib Akhtar backed his countrymen to cross the line. Not only in the group stage, the Rawalpindi Express even said that India and Pakistan would play the T20 World Cup final, and the Men in Green will lift the prestigious title for the second time.

Conditions in UAE will favour both India and Pakistan: Shoaib Akhtar

“I have a feeling Pakistan and India will play in the T20 World Cup final and India will lose to Pakistan. Conditions in UAE will favour both India and Pakistan,” Shoaib Akhtar told Sports Tak on YouTube.

This is indeed a major statement from Akhtar as Pakistan haven’t defeated India even once in World Cup matches. In fact, the Men in Blue boast off a stunning 11-0 record in World Cup games. However, Akhtar believes that the streak will end in the upcoming global event with the UAE conditions being tailor-made for Pakistan.

Notably, India and Pakistan had met in a T20 World Cup final before. It was the inaugural edition of the tournament in 2007, and the arch-rivals made it to the summit clash. Momentum was riding on a roller coaster in that game as both teams were leaving no stones unturned. However, MS Dhoni’s men eventually won the encounter by five runs and got the glory.

Nevertheless, Pakistan’s cabinet wasn’t empty for long either as they won the Cup in the following edition in 2009. Hence, both sides would be contesting to get the trophy the second time. Considering the two teams’ current strength, Virat Kohli’s India are indeed the favourites as they have been exceptional in the shortest format lately. However, one shouldn’t forget Pakistan’s tendency of defying the odds.

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