Former Pakistan pacer Shoaib Akhtar wants India to win the World Cup 2019 on July 14 at Lord's so that the championship trophy could come back to the subcontinent. Topping the ten-team table, Virat-led India have suffered only on loss to pre-tournament favourites England and will take on New Zealand in the semifinal in Manchester on Tuesday.

"New Zealand can't take pressure. I hope they don't choke this time. But I really want the World Cup to stay in the subcontinent and I think, I will back India all the way," Akhtar said in his Youtube channel.



It was all about Rohit Sharma's record breaking fifth hundred at Leeds against Sri Lanka on Saturday. Rohit hit a crisp 103 to help India thrash the Lankans by seven wickets in their final group game to finish with 15 points from 9 games.

"Rohit Sharma has great timing and shot selection. His understanding of the game is also superb. K.L. Rahul also got his ton which is a good thing," added Akhtar.

Akhtar opined that the net run rate is a cruel thing and Pakistan played better cricket than the Kiwis but failed to go through on this count.

"Pakistan played better than New Zealand. I really thought they would make it but the net run rate is a cruel thing."

Pakistan finished fifth on 11 points, same as New Zealand, but lost out on inferior net run rate. In 2015, Australia beat New Zealand to win the Cup.