NEW DELHI: Former Pakistan pace sensation Shoaib Akhtar has heaped praise on the Indian cricket team, asserting that their comprehensive 70-run victory over New Zealand in the semi-final at Wankhede Stadium has earned them a deserving place in the final.
India's opening duo, led by captain Rohit Sharma and young talent Shubman Gill, set a fiery tone against the Kiwi bowlers. Virat Kohli and Shreyas Iyer's centuries further solidified India's grip on the game, culminating in a formidable total of 397/3.
Expressing his admiration for the Indian team, Shoaib Akhtar stated on his YouTube channel, "India thoroughly deserves to be in the final, if you look at their batting, bowling, fielding and even their bench strength, if this team doesn't deserve to reach the final then which team does?"
Akhtar specifically lauded Rohit's captaincy skills and the aggressive start he provided in the opening overs. He commended the team's collective batting effort, with special mentions for Gill and Iyer.
"India again brutally hammered New Zealand. All credit goes to Rohit Sharma as a captain. He hammers bowlers in the opening overs. If Gill stayed on the pitch, he could have completed his ton. Shreyas Iyer is an amazing talent; he is a guy who takes away a lot of pressure from the senior players. India deserves to be in the final."
1/10:Virat Kohli, Mohammed Shami star as India reach World Cup final
AFP
2/10:Virat Kohli's record-breaking century
Virat Kohli scored his 50th one-day international hundred, surpassing Sachin Tendulkar's record, with a knock of 117.AP
3/10:Mohammed Shami's sensational bowling
Mohammed Shami took a sensational seven-wicket haul, including the best figures by an Indian bowler in a World Cup semi-final.AP
4/10:India's commanding total
India posted a commanding total of 397-4, with Shreyas Iyer scoring a rapid 105 and Shubman Gill contributing 80 not out.AFP
5/10:Daryl Mitchell's valiant effort
Daryl Mitchell scored 134, his highest ODI score, but it wasn't enough to secure victory for New Zealand.AFP
6/10:India's unbeaten streak
Team India has won all 10 of their matches in the World Cup so far, aiming for their third title and second on home soil.ANI
7/10:India's chance for redemption
After losing in the semi-finals of the last two World Cups, Team India is determined not to let go of this opportunity for redemption.AFP
8/10:Williamson, Mitchell's partnership
Captain Kane Williamson and Daryl Mitchell put on a third-wicket partnership of 181 runs to revive New Zealand's chase.AFP
9/10:Shami's crucial wickets
Mohammed Shami took two crucial wickets in the 33rd over, dismissing Williamson and Latham to dent New Zealand's chances.AFP
10/10:New Zealand's World Cup title drought
New Zealand are still searching for their first men's 50-over World Cup title after their defeat in the semi-finals.PTILooking ahead to the final opponent, Akhtar backed Australia but highlighted South Africa's chance to turn the tide if they bat first and set a substantial total. "I feel Australia will reach the final; South Africa has only one chance to bat first and put up a total of 350 runs," remarked the Rawalpindi Express.
As cricket enthusiasts eagerly await the outcome of the Australia vs. South Africa clash, India's stellar performance and all-round dominance have undoubtedly caught the attention and admiration of cricket pundits across borders.
(With inputs from ANI)
