T20 World Cup 2024: Former Pak pacer Shoaib Akhtar backs India to win the tournament. Here's Why

Former Pakistan pacer Shoaib Akhtar has thrown his weight behind India to win the ongoing T20 World Cup. Akhtar believes that the trophy, which is currently with England, should stay in the sub-continent.

"Well done India, this is your World Cup now. You should win this and the World Cup should stay in the subcontinent. You should have won the previous too and this too. You deserve it one hundred percent. My support is with you. Rohit's intent is good and his conscience is clear. He deserves to lift the trophy," Akhtar said on his YouTube channel.

Akhtar also spoke about India's lossto Australia in the 2023 ODI World Cup final which proved as a catalyst in India beating Australia in the Super 8 clash.

"What a comprehensive win for India. They had been going through depression after they lost a World Cup that they should have won. They had lost to Australia in the final and that depression turned into obsession. They wanted to hit back at Australia," Akhtar added.

It was India skipper Rohit Sharma who was particularly brutal on Australia during the Super 8 clash. Rohit hit 92 off 41, including eight sixes. He also hit Mitchell Starc of 29 runs in an over inside the powerplay - showing his intent crystal clear.

India eventually posted a huge total of 205/5 in 20 overs. Australia, in reply, could manage 181/7 and lost the game by 24 runs.

After losing to India, Australia's chances to make it to the playoffs depended on Afghanistan losing to Bangladesh in the last Super 8 clash of Group 1.

Afghanistan, however, had other plans and went on to beat Bangladesh in a thriller. The win took Afghans to their maiden ICC tournament semis while Australia crashed out.

India now face England in the repeat of 2022 T20 World Cup semi-final while Afghanistan face South Africa on June 27.