Pakistan will go on to make history: Shoaib Akhtar

India will take on their arch-rivals Pakistan on Sunday at the Kennington Oval in London. Every India v Pakistan match is a gut-wrenching one for the fans. Talking about Sunday’s clash, it has bit extra push to fix its name in the history books. Not an ordinary match, but the final of the 8th edition of ICC Champions Trophy. Like the fans, the former cricketers of both the countries are super excited.

Everybody is trying to give suggestions to the team. While Indian skipper Virat Kohli has asked his boys to stay away from such suggestions, Pakistani skipper Sarfraz Ahmed heaped praises on the social media. Former Pakistani speedster Shoaib Akhtar recorded a video and uploaded it on his Facebook page. His intention was to give some handy pre-match suggestions to the Pakistani team.

The first and foremost thing said by the Rawalpindi express is “Take no pressure. Just don’t panic. Play sensible cricket. Give a smart run-chase.” He also mentioned that the Indian bowling unit is not one to be afraid of. “One team (Sri Lanka) has chased 300 (321) runs against this (Indian) bowling,” said the former pacer. “Toss does not matter. But if the conditions are overcast, do think twice,” he further added.

No one thought Pakistan will reach the finals

Pakistan’s brilliant comeback after a humiliating defeat at the hands of India came as a shock for many cricket loyalists. Hence, the 41-year-old Punjab lad thinks that Pakistan is in a better position as compared to India.

“Pakistan is in a better position. No one thought Pakistan will get there (finals) and Pakistan will go on to make history. If it doesn’t happen then guys (Pakistani players) we are standing behind you. It is the month of Ramadan. Everybody is praying for you. I never prayed so much for myself when I used to be a cricketer, as much as I am praying for you. So, wish you best of luck. Take no pressure. It’s just one of those games and play a sensible cricket,” said the owner of over 400 International wickets.

His last piece of advice was for the team management, as he said “Ask Shoaib Malik to come out to bat earlier than Mohammad Hafeez. Whole Pakistan is with you.”

Watch the video here