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IND vs NZ Final: Former Pakistan fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar has given a big statement about Team India before the final of ICC T20 World Cup 2026. He says that in the final, the Indian team will be under the pressure of the expectations of 150 crore people and the defeat in the 2023 final and this pressure can change the course of the match.

What did Shoaib Akhtar say?

The final match of T20 World Cup 2026 between India and New Zealand will be played on 8 March at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. Before this high-voltage match, former Pakistan fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar said on TapMad’s show ‘Game On Hai’ that the Indian team may be under pressure from the expectations of the home audience. Because the Indian team had to face defeat in the 2023 ODI World Cup final on this very ground.

He further said that if the pitch of Ahmedabad helps the spin bowlers then the score of 175 to 200 runs can prove to be very important. But if New Zealand reaches around 250, there will be a lot of pressure on India.

Umar Gul also reacted

Apart from Akhtar, former Pakistan fast bowler Umar Gul has also reacted before the India-Pakistan final match. Gul has described the Kiwi team as strong. He says that New Zealand’s bowling is very strong and aggressive, due to which the Indian team can come under domestic pressure. Gul further said that New Zealand has won the Test series in India. In such a situation, he is well aware of the conditions here.

What did Glenn Phillips say?

Apart from this, New Zealand’s star all-rounder Glenn Phillips has also given his reaction before the final match. Phillips has acknowledged India’s strength. He said that India has no dearth of talent and many strong teams can be prepared from there.