Shoaib Akhtar: MS Dhoni doesn't know the meaning of fear

Shoaib Akhtar (C) and MS Dhoni (R)

Former Pakistan speedster Shoaib Akhtar has said that in the India vs Pakistan encounter at the World Cup, the contest will begin from the dressing room itself and has labeled the two teams as cornered tigers. The two Asian giants will clash against one another in what is expected to be an high-octane encounter at the Adelaide Oval on February 15.

"India and Pakistan are cornered tigers in the tournament. I think India versus Pakistan opening match will start from dressing room itself,” Akhtar said.

The 39-year-old, who clocked 100.2 mph against England in the 2003 World Cup, also showered praise on 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.

"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,” he said.

The ‘Rawalpindi Express’ also said that the last 15-20 days before the World Cup were the most crucial and added that the team that has three good days can clinch the title.

"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,” the former international cricketer added.