Former fast bowler of Pakistan, Shoaib Akhtar commended Indian captain Rohit Sharma on his leadership skills as “selfless captain” who takes the interests of the team first after India convincingly won over England in the T20 world cup 2024 by 68 runs.
His innings of 57 off 39 balls included 6 fours and 2 sixes which made a significant contribution to their overall score but Rashid dismissed him in fourteenth over.
In his YouTube channel analysis, Akhtar sided with India, saying they should win this tournament especially under Sharma’s leadership.
“Rohit Sharma has repeatedly said he wants to make an impact and win the trophy and so, deserves to win the cup. He is a big player, and it should end on a big note. He is a selfless captain, plays for the team and is a complete batter,” said Akhtar, as quoted by ANI.
Akhtar also echoed his disappointment that India did not clinch ODI world cup in 2023 indicating that he will support them during international tournaments.
“I was always in favour of India winning the tournament. I was hurt last year when India could not win the World Cup as they should not have lost it because they deserved to win,” he added.
India opted to bat first after being asked by England in their semi-final match making it possible for them set up a target at 171/7. Suryakumar Yadav contributed (47 runs from 36 balls) while Hardik Pandya and Ravindra Jadeja provided cameos. Chris Jordan was outstanding in terms off wickets taking three for thirty seven runs for England.
However, poor adaptation to pitch conditions marked England’s chase, leading to their dismissal at 103 all out in 16.4 overs. Though Harry Brook and Jos Buttler were the main contributors for England, they could not match the challenge presented by Indian bowling attack. Axar Patel and Kuldeep Yadav proved significant with three wickets each to their names while Jasprit Bumrah also claimed two wickets for India.
