Dubai: Former Pakistan fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar put forth some hilarious advice for Pakistan ahead of their T20 World Cup 2021 clash against India on Sunday, October 24 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.
The Rawalpindi Express suggested Pakistan give India sleeping pills and asked them to stop Virat Kohli from using his Instagram. The 40-year-old even cheekily requested team mentor, MS Dhoni, not to come and bat himself.
“Give sleeping pills to India first. Second, stop Virat Kohli from using Instagram for two days (chuckles). And third, ask MS Dhoni to not come to bat himself, I am telling you he’s still the most in-form batter,” Akhtar was quoted as saying to Sportskeeda.
He also offers some advice for the Pakistan openers to take the team off to a steady start to push India on the backfoot and avoid dot balls and pace their innings. Akhtar also advised the bowling attack to come out all guns blazing while defending a good total.
“Pakistan needs to open in a manner where you can get a good start. Then, Pakistan will have to avoid dot balls, play run-a-ball for 5-6 overs then take the strike rate up. And when it comes to bowling, if you have a good total, then make sure you are out there and take wickets,” he added.
India has dominated Pakistan at ICC events and is also unbeaten in both 50-over and T20 World Cups. India has clashed with Pakistan 5 times in T20 World Cups. Moreover, India defeated Pakistan twice, including the final, during the 2007 T20 World Cup in South Africa. Pakistan is yet to defeat India in World Cups, having lost in their last 12 encounters. It also includes five defeats in the T20 World Cup.
The two sides will face off on Sunday (October 24) in Dubai in a high-voltage encounter at the Dubai International Stadium.
