Former Pakistan cricket team fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar has opined that he would have made a major difference if he was picked in the playing XI for the semifinal match against the Indian cricket team during the 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup. Akhtar was a member of the squad, but he did not feature in the playing XI for the big game in Mohali.
The Pakistan cricket team’s bowling attack featured the likes of Umar Gul, Wahab Riaz, Saeed Ajmal, Shahid Afridi, Abdul Razzaq and Mohammad Hafeez. As per reports, Shoaib Akhtar was not fit throughout the 2011 World Cup, and it is believed that his fitness was the reason why he did not play in the semifinal match.
Akhtar still played three matches for his nation in the 2011 Cricket World Cup, but he was not considered for the semifinal. Virender Sehwag scored 38 runs off 25 deliveries in that game, while Sachin Tendulkar hit a 115-ball 85. Speaking to Sportskeeda recently, Akhtar said:
“I would have dismissed Sachin and Sehwag. India would have collapsed if Sachin and Sehwag were dismissed early. I was really really hurt.”
I had just two matches left: Shoaib Akhtar
During the same chat, Akhtar added that he could have played a couple of more international matches for the Pakistan cricket team, but he did not get that chance. Here’s what he added:
“I knew that I had just two matches left, and I had this desire that at Wankhede the Pakistan flag is held high and the team is playing the final. I knew that India was under immense pressure.”
The Indian cricket team scored 260/9 in the first innings. Chasing 261 for a place in the final match, the Pakistan cricket team lost all their wickets for 231 runs. India then beat Sri Lanka to win the trophy.
