IND vs NZ: The cricketing world is never short of opinions, especially when legendary players express their views on contemporary matches. Shoaib Akhtar, the iconic Pakistani pacer, recently weighed in on the highly anticipated World Cup 2023 encounter between India and New Zealand. Here’s an in-depth look at his observations and their backdrop:
Akhtar’s Observation:
Shoaib Akhtar, known for his candid remarks, drew parallels between the IND vs NZ match and the earlier clash between India and Bangladesh. The similarity, as per Akhtar, lay in the exceptional leadership and batting of Virat Kohli. In both matches, Kohli took the reins, guiding India to victory with his stellar innings.
Kohli’s Stupendous Innings:
IND vs NZ: In the New Zealand encounter, Virat Kohli showcased why he’s often termed the anchor of the Indian batting lineup. Scoring a remarkable 95 off 104 balls, laden with 8 boundaries and 2 sixes, Kohli’s innings stood out. Though he fell slightly short of a century, looking to seal it with a maximum, his contribution had already set India on the path to victory.
Kohli’s Consistent Captaincy and Batting Prowess:
Despite the early exits of top-order batsmen like Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, and Suryakumar Yadav, Kohli displayed resilience. Steering the innings, he mirrored his previous performance against Bangladesh where he had also scored a ton, establishing himself as the team’s crisis man.
Shoaib Akhtar’s Detailed Reaction:
IND vs NZ: Commenting on the match via his popular YouTube channel, Akhtar said, “India clinched this match quite comfortably. Even though Virat didn’t reach his 100th century, it felt like déjà vu from the previous match. The vibe, the atmosphere was similar to when Virat anchored India against Bangladesh with his ton. It’s a tad disappointing seeing him not reach his 50th ODI century today, but it’s just a matter of time. One can’t commend him enough for his consistency. I personally was rooting for him to match Sachin Tendulkar’s record.”
Shoaib Akhtar’s reflections not only underscore the significance of Kohli’s performance but also highlight the universal admiration the Indian skipper garners from cricketing greats across borders.
Image Credit – prabhatkhabar