Shoaib Akhtar: MS Dhoni is a fearless cricketer 

Former Pakistan star pacer, Shoaib Akhtar has opined that during the India vs Pakistan encounter at the World Cup, the contest itself will begin from the dressing room and has described the two teams as cornered tigers. The two Asian cricket superpower will clash against one another in what is expected to be a most thrilled encounter at the Adelaide Oval on February 15. Shoaib said “India and Pakistan are cornered tigers in the tournament. I think India versus Pakistan opening match will start from dressing room itself.”

The 39-year-old speedster, who had achieved 100.2 mph against England in the 2003 World Cup, also praised Indian skipper MS Dhoni, saying that the wicketkeeper-batsman is scared of nothing and unlike a few other captains, always takes all the pressure upon himself. He narrated “With due respect and not taking any names, I have seen captains, who hide behind the team under pressure but Dhoni is one guy who would make the team hide behind him when they are under pressure. He is one guy who doesn’t know the meaning of fear.”

The former star cricketer labeled ‘Rawalpindi Express’ also said that the last 15-20 days before the World Cup always prove to be the most crucial and  stressed that the team that has three good days can clinch the title. He concluded by saying “It’s always the last 15-20 days that’s the most crucial in a World Cup competition. It’s a pattern that has emerged since 1983 when teams have got momentum in the last two weeks. In 1999, Australia peaked at right time after indifferent start. In this World Cup its all about three good days.”