"England will destroy India"- Shoaib Akhtar makes a huge claim ahead of IND-ENG semi-final

After Pakistan's comprehensive win over New Zealand, the stage is all set for the second semi-final between the two strongest sides in the T20 World Cup 2022. It is the clash between India and England, which will take place on Thursday at the Adelaide Oval.

Both teams are ready to give their all in an all-important knockout game. A win today will help these teams move one step closer to becoming world T20 champions. The winner of this match will advance to the final to play Pakistan at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on Sunday.

The cricketing world, on the other hand, is hoping for a thrilling final between India and Pakistan to cap off the tournament. Even former Pakistani speedster Shoaib Akhtar is hoping for IND-PAK final, but he reckons that England will thrash India in the semi-final on Thursday.

In an interview with ARY News, he said that he wanted to see the final between India and Pakistan, but he thought that Pakistan would repeat the glory of 1992, as they beat New Zealand in the semi-final just like in 1992, and then England would beat India to make it an England vs Pakistan final.

Furthermore, Shoaib also said that Pakistan will then beat England in the final to win the tournament. However, speaking of India's fortune against England in the semi-final, he said that Jos Buttler and his team will thrash India on Thursday.

He said, "India chase krega (Team India would like to chase in the semi-final). England also somehow suffer from pressure. I reckon England batting second will destroy India."

However, Shoaib also pointed out that the team chasing the target will get the benefit, and batting second on Adelaide will help the team. The game will start at 1:30 p.m. as per the Indian team. Both teams have some big names in their ranks that will make this game more interesting.

Notably, India hasn't won an ICC tournament since last decade. The last time they won an ICC trophy was under the leadership of MS Dhoni in 2013, when India won the Champions Trophy, beating England in the final.