WATCH: Shoaib Akhtar admits 'India completely hammered Pakistan' in 2023 World Cup; Heaps praise on Rohit Sharma's ruthless batting

Pakistan great Shoaib Akhtar has slammed Babar Azam and Co. for their disappointing performance against India in the 2023 ODI World Cup on Saturday, October 14. At the same time, the former speedster hailed Team India for their emphatic seven-wicket win at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. Akhtar also praised Indian captain Rohit Sharma's powerful hitting which made it easy for the Men in Blue in the second innings. 

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Cricket's biggest extravaganza, the blockbuster clash between arch-rivals. The hype was much higher but Pakistan could not buckle under the pressure in front of a 'blue sea'. Batting first, the Men in Green were in a strong position till the 30th over. But once Mohammed Siraj broke the partnership between Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan, Pakistan endured a massive collapse that saw them being bowled out for 191. 

The game was done and dusted in the first innings itself, but Rohit decided to do more damage with ruthless hitting. Having scored a century in the previous match, the veteran opener was on song right from the start. His magnificent 86 runs in just 63 balls powered India to chase down the total in 30.3 overs. 

“Disappointing performance… a very disappointing performance. Today, India completely hammered Pakistan. Rohit Sharma was a one-man army. I don’t know where was Rohit Sharma in the last couple of years. He is a very big player and has a wide range of shots. He is a complete batter, a complete team,” said Akhtar while speaking on his YouTube channel. 

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“The kind of innings he played, he humiliated Pakistan’s bowling attack. He took revenge for the last two years where he didn’t get many runs. Good to see Rohit Sharma back, he did right to smash the bowlers. What’s the need of finishing the game at the last overs and take it deep? Rohit hammered the bowlers,” he added. 

Watch the video below: 

India didn't even let Pakistan come close to changing anything.

Full video: https://t.co/PCxpey4XJx pic.twitter.com/CIWseAG5CB

— Shoaib Akhtar (@shoaib100mph) October 14, 2023

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India is really there to win this World Cup: Shoaib Akhtar

India continued their dominance against Pakistan in the ODI World Cup, recording eight straight wins against their neighbours. Rohit and Co. have climbed to the top of the table with three resounding victories. The Men in Blue are among the favourites to win this World Cup and Akhtar believes India will repeat the history of 2011 this time around. 

"I am beginning to believe India is about to repeat that history of 2011 World Cup. If they don't mess up in the semi-finals, India is really there to win this World Cup. So well done India. You have done wonderfully well. You destroyed us, demoralized us and decimated us," said Akhtar.