“Aapne Bas Logo Ko Marna Hai” Shoaib Akhtar Shares Message Before Facing India For The First Time

Although Shoaib Akhtar made his Test debut in November 1997, he did not face India for the first time until February 1999.

SportsCricket
By TCP News Desk
Shoaib Akthar

There are numerous interesting stories about the India-Pakistan cricket rivalry. When the two teams square off, the attention and scrutiny are intense. The competitive nature of the matches between the two sides is clear, with champion cricketers on both sides. Shoaib Akhtar is one such cricketer who has excelled in India-Pakistan matches. His speed terrified batters all over the world, including India in a Test match in Kolkata in February 1999.

Although Akhtar made his Test debut in November 1997, he did not face India for the first time until February 1999. At Eden Gardens, he made an immediate impact, taking four wickets in both innings to help Pakistan win by 46 runs. Among those he defeated were Sachin Tendulkar, VVS Laxman, and Rahul Dravid.

Speaking about the game, Akhtar revealed the message he received from team management prior to the game.

“Saleem Malik informed me that I would play in the Kolkata Test. He informed me that the wicket would be fast and that I would play. I was always trying to hit the batter’s head and ribs. During the first meeting, it was discussed that ‘Shoaib tujhe marna kaise hai logo ko.’ ‘Should I not get them out?’ I inquired. ‘No, you have a good pace, aapne bas logo ko marna hai,’ they said. Our job is to get people out.’ Later, I told Sourav that our plan was to hit you on the ribs rather than get you out “Akhtar stated in a Star Sports video.

Akhtar represented Pakistan in 46 Tests, 163 ODIs, and 15 T20Is, taking 178, 247, and 19 wickets, respectively.

TCP News Desk
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