Bangladesh can do what Pakistan could not: Akhtar

Former Pakistan pacer Shoaib Akhtar believes that India will find it tough against Bangladesh, as the two sides meet in another crucial 2019 International Cricket Council (ICC) World Cup match.

 While speaking on his official Youtube channel, Akhtar said that Bangladesh has a good chance of defeating India, unlike their fellow Asian side Pakistan.

“We must not forget that Bangladesh are also in with a chance of qualifying for the semi-finals,” said Akhtar. “They are eager to play in the semis and will give it their all against India. If they bat first and score a good total, India will be under a lot of pressure. I hope Bangladesh can do what Pakistan could not [defeating India].”

He also heaped praise on Bangladesh by stating: “Bangladesh have a very good side, with a good captain in Mashrafe Mortaza and players such as Shakibal Hasan, Mehidy Hasan and Mushfiqur Rahim. India will have to work really hard to beat Bangladesh.”

Speaking about how India should approach this match, the former right-arm pacer stated that the Men in Blue should bat first and put a good total on the board — inorder to bring their opponents under pressure.

“India must bat first and post a good total on the board because by doing that they can bring Bangladesh under pressure. Also they have good enough spinners, like Kuldeep, Chahal and even Jadhav, to keep Bangladesh under check,” he said. “I think India will be eager to set things straight after their defeat against England but it won’t be easy for them.”