T20 World Cup 2021: If New Zealand loses to Afghanistan, questions will be raised, warns Shoaib Akhtar
By Team Newsable | First Published Nov 6, 2021, 9:21 PM ISTShoaib Akhtar is hoping for India to qualify for the 2021 ICC T20 World Cup semis in the hope of an India-Pakistan final. However, he fears that New Zealand losing to Afghanistan to aid India could cause a social media backlash.
Former champion India has made a solid comeback to the ICC T20 World Cup 2021 in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Having lost its initial two games to arch-rival Pakistan and New Zealand, it has managed to script convincing wins against Afghanistan and Scotland to stay in the fray for the semis.
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However, its fate still hinges on New Zealand, as it has to lose its final Super 12 game to Afghanistan on Sunday. It would significantly bolster India's chances, as a win against Namibia would be enough to see it through. But, if the Kiwis manage to get past the Afghans, it is all over for the Indians.
Speaking on the same, legendary former Pakistani speedster, Shoaib Akhtar has stated that he would be rooting for India to qualify in the semis. It could possibly set another mouth-watering final against Pakistan, where he would be hoping for another Pakistan win. However, he also warned that if NZ loses to the Afghans, questions could be hurled at the former.
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World Cup becomes very interesting. It seems like India is heading closer to the miracle which looked impossible.
New Zealand will be under a lot of pressure against Afghanistan. It will be a virtual quarter final for them.
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Speaking on his YouTube channel, he said that he had earlier warned about India's chances of staying alive in the remaining matches. However, he also warned Pakistan not to be complacent with the semis berth and should defeat Scotland in the final game to ensure a top-spot finish in the table.
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About India's chances, he said that it is all in the hands of New Zealand, as a loss against Afghanistan would heavily help India. But, he went on to add that the NZ defeat would become a trending topic, especially in Pakistan, as sentiments in the country are running high against the side.
He believed that NZ is a far better side than Afghanistan and is a sure-shot favourite to see through the latter. Notwithstanding, he warned that if it goes the other way around, social media would be on fire and controlling it would be out of hands.
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