Shoaib Akhtar certain India is World Cup favorite only until they play Pakistan

Pakistan’s former fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar has termed India as the World Cup ‘favorite’, however, only until they meet arch rivals Pakistan in upcoming much-awaited match on Sunday.

Shoaib applauded the Indian cricket team for thrashing the defending champions Australia by 36 runs at Oval on Sunday. India beat Australia by 36 runs after Virat’s men posted a mammoth total of 352 runs on the board on the back of century from Shikhar Dhawan and Virat Kohli 82 runs.

However, Shoaib termed India as the World Cup ‘favorite’ until they meet Pakistan to play. “India is the hottest favorite to win the World Cup until they play Pakistan, because that is going to be a very crucial game for India as Pakistan is going to come very hard at them,” he said.

“But before that the confidence of Pakistan will be very high, because they would also be looking to beat Australia at Taunton,” Shoaib added. He also pointed out that the net run rate would trouble Australia at the points table, as it is on a decline.

Pakistan and India are scheduled to collide on June 16 at Old Trafford. However, before the much-awaited encounter, Pakistan would meet Australia on Wednesday at Taunton.