NEW DELHI: Former Pakistani fast bowler
Shoaib Akhtar
has heaped praise on
Rohit Sharma
's awe-inspiring batting following India's victory over Australia in the 'Super 8s' match of the
T20 World Cup
2024 on Monday.s
In a video posted on his 'X' handle, Akhtar highlighted the transformation in India's mindset from disappointment to determination after their defeat against Australia in the ODI World Cup final last year.
T20 World Cup: Schedule | Points Table | Stats
"The depression that India had after losing the last World Cup final, the one they deserved to win...that depression has now turned into obsession that we have to beat Australia here. Then Rohit Sharma did what he should have done, played with such intent. Rohit ne kya fainti lagayi hai
Mitchell Starc
ki (Rohit completely annihilated Starc). My heart wanted Rohit Sharma to score 150 today," Akhtar passionately said in the video.
Watch:
India's 24-run victory was anchored by Rohit's brilliant knock, scoring 92 runs off just 41 balls. His aggressive approach set the tone for India's innings, allowing them to post a formidable total of 205 for 5s.
Despite early setbacks, including the quick dismissals of
Virat Kohli
and
Rishabh Pant
, Sharma's stay at the crease ensured India remained on course for a big total.
Batting second, Australia struggled to keep up with the required run rate, managing 181 for 7. Travis Head's valiant effort with the bat, scoring 76 runs, wasn't enough to overcome India's disciplined bowling attack led by
Jasprit Bumrah
.
The Rohit Sharma-led side will take on England in the second semi-final in Guyana on Thursday.
English (US) ·