Former Pakistan captain Wasim Akram believes India will win their ODI World Cup match against England.
Even if the reigning champions have dropped to the bottom of the ICC World Cup 2023 standings, legendary Pakistani fast bowler Wasim Akram feels Team India should be aware of the threat England can present. The incumbent world champions have had a dismal start to their championship defense, suffering three defeats in four ICC matches.
The runners-up from the previous edition In its World Cup 2023 opener at Narendra Modi Stadium, New Zealand defeated England by 9 wickets. Jos Buttler and co. then defeated Bangladesh in Dharamsala for their first win of the ICC World Cup 2023. Buttler and company were then startled by Afghanistan, which had just delivered Pakistan its third consecutive World Cup defeat.
“England are wounded lions” – Wasim Akram
Speaking to Sportskeeda at the recent ICC World Cup, former Pakistan captain Akram supported India as favorites in their forthcoming match against England. However, Akram also stated that the showdown will be a must-win game for England, who were outplayed by South Africa in their previous World Cup appearance.
“India are favourites to win against England, but England are wounded lions. They will know that they have to win and that could see them approach the game differently. However, India have played with controlled aggression.”
Wasim Akram
South Africa defeated England by 229 runs in the 20th match of the ICC World Cup at Wankhede Stadium. The 229-run thrashing at the hands of the Proteas was England’s largest defeat by runs in the 50-over format. Buttler and company will face hosts India in World Cup match No.29 on Sunday at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium.
“Hope India emulate the Australian team of 2003” – S Sreesanth
Former India bowler Shanthakumaran Nair Sreesanth stated in the run-up to the key World Cup match that he wants Rohit Sharma and Co. to replicate Australia’s great record of becoming the World Cup invincibles.
“I hope India emulate the Australian team of 2003 and go unbeaten in the entire World Cup. As an ex-cricketer and an Indian, I want the team that has done well in an all-round way to win and that’s been India so far.”
S Sreesanth