Believe It or Not! Former Pakistan pacer Shoaib Akhtar wants the Virat Kohli-led Team India to reach the final of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2021, which is underway in UAE and Oman. The reason he gave will surely re-ignite India vs Pakistan cricket rivalry. Although, reaching the final is a distant dream of Virat Kohli's side as they are still fighting for a place in the semi-final.&nbsp;

The pre-tournament favourites India were off to a poor start in the tournament after losing their first two matches of the Super 12 stage against Pakistan and New Zealand, but they bounced back with a 66-run win against Afghanistan and an eight-wicket win over Scotland. Now, in order to have any chance of reaching the semis, India need to win their remaining game against Namibia with a huge margin and hope Kane Williamson's side lose to Afghanistan.&nbsp;

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However, the former pace spearhead thinks otherwise as he wants an India-Pakistan re-match. On his YouTube channel said, "Personally, I would India to advance to the final with Pakistan so that we can beat them again. It'll be good for cricket. It will make the World Cup even bigger." Akhtar added, "I was telling everyone not to write off India earlier also. Their World Cup was not finished after the first two games."

"I would advise Pakistan not to think about what is happening around them. Their job is to beat Scotland and finish on top of the table. Yes, I would definitely want one thing. I always thought why Pakistan play India only once? Why not play the final? And it can happen. India appeared like a scattered team after their first two losses. But good they realized their tournament was not over. It's still alive," Akhtar further added.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/t20wc-india-beat-scotland-in-63-overs-heres-how-it-changes-semis-permutations-how-can-india-qualify-427076">T20WC: India beat Scotland in 6.3 overs, here's how it changes semis permutations. How can India qualify?</a>

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World Cup becomes very interesting. It seems like India is heading closer to the miracle which looked impossible. 
New Zealand will be under a lot of pressure against Afghanistan. It will be a virtual quarter final for them. 
 
Full video: <a href="https://t.co/OTfprrwjZi">https://t.co/OTfprrwjZi</a> <a href="https://t.co/syzyk5BSVD">pic.twitter.com/syzyk5BSVD</a>
— Shoaib Akhtar (@shoaib100mph) <a href="https://twitter.com/shoaib100mph/status/1456696930751422468?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 5, 2021</a></blockquote>
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To make it to the semi-final, they would require a favour from Afghanistan as AFG's win against NZ will make India's way to the last four. However, they will have to beat Namibia in their next match with a huge margin (better net run rate) to have the run-rate advantage.&nbsp;

But if New Zealand beat Afghanistan on November 7, they will be guaranteed a spot in the next stage.&nbsp;

Believe It or Not! Former Pakistan pacer Shoaib Akhtar wants the Virat Kohli-led Team India to reach the final of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2021, which is underway in UAE and Oman.

Believe It or Not! Former Pakistan pacer Shoaib Akhtar wants the Virat Kohli-led Team India to reach the final of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2021, which is underway in UAE and Oman. The reason he gave will surely re-ignite India vs Pakistan cricket rivalry. Although, reaching the final is a distant dream of Virat Kohli's side as they are still fighting for a place in the semi-final. The pre-tournament favourites India were off to a poor start in the tournament after losing their first two matches of the Super 12 stage against Pakistan and New Zealand, but they bounced back with a 66-run win against Afghanistan and an eight-wicket win over Scotland. Now, in order to have any chance of reaching the semis, India need to win their remaining game against Namibia with a huge margin and hope Kane Williamson's side lose to Afghanistan. ALSO READ | Former Pakistan skipper hails India's selection, names player who can change the game single-handedly However, the former pace spearhead thinks otherwise as he wants an India-Pakistan re-match. On his YouTube channel said, "Personally, I would India to advance to the final with Pakistan so that we can beat them again. It'll be good for cricket. It will make the World Cup even bigger." Akhtar added, "I was telling everyone not to write off India earlier also. Their World Cup was not finished after the first two games." "I would advise Pakistan not to think about what is happening around them. Their job is to beat Scotland and finish on top of the table. Yes, I would definitely want one thing. I always thought why Pakistan play India only once? Why not play the final? And it can happen. India appeared like a scattered team after their first two losses. But good they realized their tournament was not over. It's still alive," Akhtar further added. ALSO READ | T20WC: India beat Scotland in 6.3 overs, here's how it changes semis permutations. How can India qualify? World Cup becomes very interesting. It seems like India is heading closer to the miracle which looked impossible. New Zealand will be under a lot of pressure against Afghanistan. It will be a virtual quarter final for them. Full video: https://t.co/OTfprrwjZi pic.twitter.com/syzyk5BSVD — Shoaib Akhtar (@shoaib100mph) November 5, 2021 × To make it to the semi-final, they would require a favour from Afghanistan as AFG's win against NZ will make India's way to the last four. However, they will have to beat Namibia in their next match with a huge margin (better net run rate) to have the run-rate advantage. But if New Zealand beat Afghanistan on November 7, they will be guaranteed a spot in the next stage.

Watch: 'It'll be good for cricket' - Shoaib Akhtar explains why he wants India to reach the final of T20 WC

After an outstanding all-around performance, India defeated Scotland by eight wickets in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup on Friday (November 5) at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium in Dubai.

After an outstanding all-around performance, India defeated Scotland by eight wickets in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup on Friday (November 5) at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium in Dubai. After winning the toss, Indian skipper Virat Kohli opted to bowl first. Indian bowlers bundled out Scotland for 85 in 17.4 overs. The batters then entered the field with all guns blazing as they reached the set target in 6.3 overs for their second win in four matches. Openers were in top form as Rohit Sharma scored a quick 30 off 16 balls and KL Rahul blasted an 18-ball fifty to give India a much-needed win with an improved net run rate. ALSO READ | 'Huge respect': Virat Kohli and other team members visit Scotland dressing room after the game - see pics The semi-final conundrum If you are a cricket fan and follow the Indian team closely, then you must have thought about how Virat Kohli & Co. can still qualify for the semi-final of the T20 World Cup? Well, for some, it has become even trickier than the Shakuntala Devi puzzles. But nothing to worry about, here are all the possible permutations for India to book a semi-final berth. Emitting a perfect World Cup vibe, the scenario in the Group 2 is pretty interesting as three strong contenders — India, New Zealand and Afghanistan are fighting for a place in the semi-final after Pakistan already reached the last four. IN PICS | Happy Birthday Virat Kohli: Top five records owned by the Indian captain India's big win against Scotland has left the Men In Blue hopeful of making it to the semis, however, they will have to win their remaining game of the Super 12 stage with an improved net run rate, to have any chance of making the semi-finals after New Zealand defeated Namibia earlier in the day. But even a win won't give a semi-final berth. Group 2 situation. How can India qualify for the semi-final? Pakistan (NRR +1.065) are already through, however, they will next face Scotland on November 7 and will look forward to finishing top of the table. New Zealand (NRR +1.277) are just one win away from reaching the semis as if New Zealand beat Afghanistan on November 7, they will be guaranteed a spot in the next stage. In case they lose the match, then the net run rate will decide the fate of Group 2 because then NZ will be level on points with Afghanistan. Afghanistan (NRR +1.481) team's run rate was rattled after a heavy loss against India and if they defeat New Zealand in the upcoming match and manage to finish with a superior NRR to India, then they will win the semi-final race. WATCH | India vs Scotland: Birthday luck! Virat Kohli finally wins the toss, his reaction is unmissable The final stretch in Group 2 🏃 Which team will join Pakistan in the semis? 🤔#T20WorldCup pic.twitter.com/QOPXMnfSBP — T20 World Cup (@T20WorldCup) November 5, 2021 × India (NRR +1.619) were in dire straits after losing to Pakistan and New Zealand in their first two matches, however, they bounced back and defeated Afghanistan and Scotland to keep their semis hopes alive. But now, in order to make it to the semi-final, they would require a favour from Afghanistan as AFG's win against NZ will make India's way to the last four. However, they will have to beat Namibia in their next match with a huge margin (better net run rate) to have the run-rate advantage. Scotland and Namibia are not in the semi-final race, they need to enjoy their last game of the tournament and have fun before flying back home. All in all, the Afghanistan vs New Zealand match will decide the other semi-finalist from Group 2.

T20WC: India beat Scotland in 6.3 overs, here's how it changes semis permutations. How can India qualify?

The Virat Kohli-led Team India managed to keep their hopes of reaching the semi-finals of the Twenty20 World Cup alive after defeating Afghanistan by 66 runs on Wednesday (November 3) at Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi.

The Virat Kohli-led Team India managed to keep their hopes of reaching the semi-finals of the Twenty20 World Cup alive after defeating Afghanistan by 66 runs on Wednesday (November 3) at Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi. Not just win, India needed to win with a better margin to redress their net run rate. The pre-tournament favourites India were off to a poor start in the Super 12 stage of the ongoing showpiece event as they lost their first two matches against arch-rivals Pakistan and New Zealand by 10 wickets and eight wickets respectively. Group 2 leaders Pakistan have already booked their semi-final spot and three strong contenders — Afghanistan, New Zealand and India are fighting for a place in the semis. WATCH | Ravindra Jadeja's reaction goes viral on an unsuccessful catch attempt; netizens hail his athleticism Can India reach the semi-final? Here are the permutations: If we talk about India's chances, they will have to win their remaining two matches with big margins as the qualification in Group 2 is most likely will come down to net run rate (NRR). After winning against Afghanistan, India now have a positive net run rate of 0.073. For Virat and team to qualify, New Zealand need to drop points in one of their remaining two matches, either Afghanistan or Namibia, which is unlikely considering their current form. However, a narrow 16-run win against Scotland states otherwise. ALSO READ | T20 World Cup: Virat Kohli reacts to R Ashwin's return after India beat Afghanistan in a must-win match New Zealand's stands at +0.816. Afghanistan have a net run rate of +1.481. India's run rate +0.073. The current scenario states that if India do end up winning the remaining two games and New Zealand beat Namibia but lose to Afghanistan, there could be a three-way tie at 6 points. Then the net run rate will decide which team will go through. After winning the match against Afghanistan, Virat Kohli in the post-match presentation said, "NRR was on the back of our mind. We spoke in the team meeting that we have to focus on the chance we have [to qualify] and stay positive and hunt that chance down." New Zealand's fate is in their hands, on the other hand, the Indian team is pinning hope on others' performances as well in order to book a semi-final berth. ALSO READ | Rahul Dravid appointed as Team India's head coach, set to take over from New Zealand home series .@ImRo45 scored a fantastic 7⃣4⃣ to set up a 6⃣6⃣-run for #TeamIndia & won the Man of the Match award. 👏 🔝#INDvAFG #T20WorldCup Scorecard ▶️ https://t.co/42045c5J05 pic.twitter.com/fdBPkkEnKQ — BCCI (@BCCI) November 3, 2021 × -India vs Scotland on November 5 at 7:30pm (IST) -India vs Namibia on November 8 at 7:30pm (IST)

T20 World Cup: Can India still make it to the semi-final? Here are the possible permutations