Shoaib Akhtar analysed the recent T20I series between India and Bangladesh, and the former Pakistan fast bowler made some interesting remarks
Legendary Pakistan fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar hailed India's T20I series-winning performance against Bangladesh, saying the Men in Blue are on another level at the moment. While discussing the recent three-match series, Akhtar also said that India actually teased Bangladesh with lollipops before showing their true prowess. (More Cricket News)
The series started on a rather sorry note for India. The run-up to the first T20I was dominated by Delhi Air Pollution, the suffered their first-ever to Bangladesh in the shortest format of the game. Not a single batsman failed to reach fifty as Shikhar Dhawan top-scored with 41 off 42, then Mushfiqur Rahim played a fine knock of 60 off 43 to help Bangladesh chase down India's total of 148.
He said that India had offered some lollipops to Bangladesh in the first match, then showed who's the real boss.
In the second match at Rajkot, India chased down Bangladesh's total of 153/6 with 26 balls to spare as Rohit hit 85 off 43 balls with six fours and six sixes.
"India have proved who the boss is in the match. Though India lost the first game but made a clinical comeback in the series, courtesy Rohit Sharma's scintillating batting display," Akhtar said in a video posted on his Youtube channel.
"Rohit is a great talent, he can score runs any time he wants," Akhtar added.
India, riding on great performances from KL Rahul, Shreyas Iyer, Shivam Dube and Deepak Chahar, won the third and final T20I by 30 runs in Nagpur.
"I thought 3rd T20I will be exciting to watch. However, India came out as a much better side, but hats off to Bangladesh for their spirited performance," said Akhtar.
Chasing 175, Bangladesh looked all set to take the game away when Mohammad Naim and Mohammed Mithun stitched a 98-run partnership. However, the Bangla Tigers lost a flurry of wickets and were bundled out for 144 on Sunday.
"Bangladesh is no ordinary side, we all must remember that the Tigers are not going to choke in front of any team," Akhtar said.
The former Pakistan pacer also praised Deepak, who became the first Indian male cricketer to pick up a T20I hat-trick. In fact, his figures of 6/7 are now the best in the history of T20 internationals.
"He (Deepak) is a mix of medium pace and seam and he displayed a commendable performance by taking a hat-trick in the game," he said.
According to the 44-year-old, all India need to do to win the World T20 next year in Australia is to strengthen the middle-order.