‘Be Scared’: Shoaib Akhtar Issues Warning Ahead Of T20 World Cup 2024 Final

Former Pakistan cricketer Shoaib Akhtar has issued a warning to South Africa ahead of the T20 World Cup 2024 final. The Indian team is set to face South Africa in the grand finale on June 29, Saturday, at the Kensington Oval in Barbados. Both teams have remained unbeaten throughout the tournament to reach this stage. South Africa secured their spot in the final by defeating Afghanistan by 9 wickets on June 27, Thursday, in Trinidad.

Akhtar has cautioned South Africa to be wary of the Indian team, which has been dominant throughout the tournament. The Indian team will be locking horns with South Africa in the grand finale on June 29, Saturday, at the Kensington Oval in Barbados. Both teams have entered the final after being unbeaten throughout the tournament. South Africa made their way into the final after defeating Afghanistan by 9 wickets on June 27, Thursday in Trinidad.

The Proteas have made history by shedding their “chokers” tag and reaching their first-ever World Cup final. Meanwhile, the Indian team has won seven consecutive matches and aims to overcome the final hurdle to lift the trophy.

“India deserves it, and many congratulations to them. I’ve been saying for a long time that they should have won the last two World Cups, and they should win this one as well. If South Africa wins the toss, they should bat first. They have a slight margin, but they are playing their first final, and after this performance, even South Africa will be scared. Who will score runs against these spinners? India should definitely win this one,” Shoaib said in a video shared on his YouTube channel.

“I wish Rishabh Pant and Rohit Sharma could open, with Virat Kohli at No. 3. India’s issues will be sorted if Kohli comes down to his natural position. This is not his game; he likes to take time and hit loose balls, then improve his strike rate. So, I am not sure if Kohli is a natural opener. If Rishabh Pant opens, the issue will be resolved,” Shoaib added.

The Indian team outplayed England in the semi-final of the T20 World Cup 2024, marking their return to the final after a 10-year gap. After being asked to bat first, skipper Rohit Sharma and Suryakumar Yadav scored 57 and 47 runs, respectively.

With the ball, Kuldeep Yadav and Axar Patel were the stars, each taking three wickets as India restricted England to 103 runs and won the semi-final by 68 runs.