Shoaib doesn’t want repeat of 1999 ODI World Cup, wants players to win ICC T20 World Cup

Shoaib Akhtar believes that Pakistan can win the ongoing T20 World Cup in the UAE. However, he cautioned the Babar Azam-led team to be wary of a bad day similar to what Wasim Akram-led Pakistan experienced during the 1999 ODI World Cup.

Azam’s Pakistan have won four consecutive matches in the ongoing tournament.

Akhtar described the current Pakistan team as one of the most formidable teams in international cricket.

“This World Cup shouldn’t slip through our fingers. We don’t want a bad day, like in 1999. The way Pakistan are playing currently, and are cruising through games, it reminds me of our 1999 ODI World Cup. So we don’t want any unlucky day which embarrasses us. So, let’s win it.”

Pakistan were unstoppable in the 1999 ODI World Cup before losing to Australia in the final at Lord’s.

“I really think that the team is heading towards the right way. Pakistan should go unbeaten into the finals. And I think Pakistan has a greater chance to lift this World Cup. This World Cup has only happened because Pakistan should win.”

The 46-year-old believes England can trouble Pakistan.”And I think Pakistan has far more opportunities and is a far better team than anyone else. They have all the right ingredients. The pacers are excellent, the spinners are good. The only one who can trouble them is England. But first of all, Pakistan have to be in the finals and win the semi-finals, which we will for sure,” Akhtar concluded.