World Cup 2019: Shoaib Akhtar’s old prediction on Pakistan beating England came true

It took only three days for Pakistan to turn their fortunes around. After getting whacked by the West Indies by 7 wickets and extending their losing streak to 12 matches including the warm-up game loss to Afghanistan, Sarfaraz Ahmed’s side was under immense pressure. Another loss against a formidable England side that toyed with their bowling even a few days ago would have left the Men in Green in deep, deep trouble.

But they decided to change the crisis into an opportunity and tamed the hosts eventually, winning a high-scoring affair by just 14 runs. Former Pakistan speedster Shoaib Akhtar, who turned “speechless” after Pakistan lost to the Caribbeans at the same venue last week and also slammed the captain as “fat and unfit”, was ecstatic this time. And there was an interesting reason for him feeling happy.

On May 22, when the World Cup was still over a week away, Akhtar had said on his YouTube channel that Pakistan will beat England and he held entire Pakistan, India and even the world witnesses to his words. “Englishstan (England) will not be able to withstand this pressure,” the Rawalpindi Express made a confident prediction.

On June 3, as Pakistan beat England by 14 runs, Akhtar clapped his hands and asked on another video on his channel: “Pakistan has won the game. Didn’t the prediction come true?” He also thanked the fans for subscribing to his channel.

Pakistan made a massive improvement over their performance against WI

The former world champions made a massive improvement on their pathetic performance against the Caribbeans. On that occasion, the entire Pakistani batting line-up had folded for 105. On Monday, Sarfaraz’s team got things tight and posted a massive total of 348 for 8 in 50 overs. England gave a good chase with two of their premier batsmen – Joe Root and Jos Buttler – scoring hundreds but yet they fell short by just 14 runs at the end. Both of Pakistan’s old warhorses – Wahab Riaz and Mohammad Amir excelled with their bowling to take five wickets even if proved to be expensive.

Pakistan next play Sri Lanka on June 7.