Premium
This is an archive article published on February 14, 2015

World Cup 2015: India’s overconfidence may let them down, says Shoaib Akhtar

Akhtar feels that having never lost to Pakistan in a World Cup, India could lose on Sunday due to overconfidence.

ICC Cricket World Cup 2015, World Cup 2015, Cricket world Cup 2015, India vs Pakistan, Pakistan vs India, Ind vs Pak, Pak vs Ind, Shoaib Akhtar, Akhtar world Cup, Cricket, Sports, Cricket news, India vs Pakistan news, Sports news Shoaib Akhtar feels that overconfidence could be India’s demise in World Cup opener against arch-rivals Pakistan. (Source: Express photo by Jasbir Malhi)

Former Pakistan paceman Shoaib Akhtar feels that having never lost to Pakistan in a cricket World Cup, India could lose Sunday’s opening encounter against their arch-rivals due to overconfidence. (Full Coverage| Venues | Fixtures)

“While Pakistan has never beaten India in a World Cup, the Indian team may be done in this time for being overconfident. If Pakistan can setup a big target, it could be difficult for India to chase it down with Pakistan’s bowling attack,” said Akhtar, who is one of the experts on Star Sports Hindi.

A lot has been talked about India’s dominance over Pakistan in a World Cup. A recent TV advertisement on a Pakistani fan, waiting with a box of crackers, for a Pakistan win since 1992, has drawn huge reactions across the border.

Story continues below this ad

Even Pakistan spinner, Saeed Ajmal, who could not make it to their World Cup squad, has claimed a 5-1 overall for India Pakistan this time around.

Akhtar, 39, though did praise the Indian batting for it’s maturity.

“India have a good batting attack and Pakistani batting line up needs to put up a mature show to win this. Pakistan batsmen do not possess that maturity yet, and their batsmen are unable to build big innings like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli of India, who convert their 50’s into 100’s and big scores,” the ‘Rawalpindi Express’ said.

Talking about Pakistan’s team balance, Akhtar, who represented Pakistan in 47 Tests and 163 ODIs between 1997 and 2011, said, “Haris Sohail should come one down instead of Younis, followed by Misbah and Umar Akmal. The ODI format is overwhelming for him now and he seems to slow the team down.”

Latest Comment
Post Comment
Read Comments
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement