It will not be easy for Pakistan to beat India in T20 WC 2022, believes Shoaib Akhtar

India's spotless record against Pakistan in T20Is ended when they suffered a crushing 10-wicket defeat last year in the T20 World Cup.

However, former Pakistan fast-bowler Shoaib Akhtar believes that won't be the case when both sides clash in the upcoming T20 World Cup.

India and Pakistan are slated to lock horns at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground on October 23.

Cricket Pakistan quoted Akhtar, "India will come up with proper planning this time around. It will not be easy for Pakistan to beat India in T20 WC this time".

In T20 WCs, India have won five of the seven encounters, while Pakistan have just one win. 

The fastest bowler in the game's history has advised the Pakistan side to bowl second at the MCG.

He said, "Predicting match results now is quite difficult but Pakistan should bowl second as [the] pitch in Melbourne offers bounce to fast bowlers".

The Indo-Pak clash is one of the biggest sporting spectacles in the world, given the number of viewers it manages to attract.

The 46-year-old stated that the crowd at the MCG could surpass the venue's existing capacity.

"I believe the crowd will be bigger this time. Around 150,000 fans will watch the match in Melbourne. Out of which, 70,000 will be Indian supporters," he concluded.

As for the fans, tickets for the much-awaited clash between these titans at the MCG have almost sold out with more than three months remaining.

According to a few reports, more than 45,000-50,000 fans are expected to arrive in Melbourne for this clash. 

India and Pakistan are speculated to play each other in the upcoming Asia Cup 2022, but the host nation is yet to be finalised.