Former skipper and pacer Wasim Akram feels that Pakistan should include retiring pacer Shoaib Akhtar in the semi-final against India. In an interview to Mobile ESPN, Akram said: "May be Pakistan will play Akhtar against India. I feel he deserves a place for sure. Wahab Riaz is bowling well but he is nothing exceptional and Shoaib could take his place."
"Shoaib's only problem in this World Cup has been his second spell. I have advised him to warm up before the second spell and that will help him." Wkram also said that the 35-year-old speedster, who is playing his last World Cup, will be at his best against India. "Shoaib against the Indians is always very dangerous. I know it is a big risk, but fortune favours the brave," he added. "Sachin Tendulkar and Virender Sehwag are top-class players but against Shoaib it's a different duel altogether. He is an entertainer and he loves the big stag."
"Saeed Ajmal bowled well against Australia, but Pakistan can even revert to Abdur Rehman for the semis. Probably Shahid Afridi will assess the Mohali pitch and then take a call. When a team is performing well, these are good problems to have." He said: "I feel that India are the favourites against Pakistan. Pakistan are playing good cricket but India are definitely strong on paper. They are an experienced side."