Last Updated on 4 years ago by Charbel Coorey

Cricket News: “We will beat India again in Melbourne” – Shoaib Akhtar | Shoaib Akhtar says Pakistan will beat India again in the T20 World Cup

Former Pakistan fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar has once again reignited an India-Pakistan cricketing discussion, claiming that Pakistan will beat India again in Melbourne in this year’s T20 World Cup.

Pakistan, led by their bowlers and the Rizwan-Babar duo, beat India comprehensively in the 2021 T20 World Cup. This was Pakistan’s first win against their rivals in a World Cup, and Shoaib believes Babar Azam’s team is more well-rounded in the T20 format.

India media puts pressure on the team – Shoaib Akhtar

The draw for the Men’s T20 World Cup was announced last week, with India and Pakistan scheduled to meet at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) on 23 October.

It is a clash that is expected to fill up the MCG, with India out to inflict redemption after the 10-wicket defeat in Dubai last year. Once again, it will be the first match each team plays in the tournament, so both sides will be aiming to hit their straps straight away.

Speaking to ANI, Shoaib was very confident that Pakistan could do the job once again. “We will beat India again in Melbourne. Pakistan is a better T20 side than India,” said Shoaib.

“It’s the Indian media that make unnecessary pressure on the team whenever we have the clash of both countries in cricket, it’s normal for India to lose.”

Pakistan and India aim to reclaim title from Australia

Pakistan and India, who won the first two T20 World Cups back in 2007 and 2009 respectively, are still waiting to break their drought. The Australian pitches should suit both sides as they possess strong seam options, with Shaheen Shah Afridi and Jasprit Bumrah sure to be of interest.

Australia won their first Men’s T20 World Cup Title in the UAE last year, and will be aiming to go back-to-back at home. The tournament will be broadcast on Free-To-Air television in the country, with Channel 9 snapping up the rights.

It will be the first time the network will broadcast cricket after losing the rights as part of Cricket Australia’s mega $1.2 billion deal in 2018.