Shoaib Akhtar compares Jasprit Bumrah with Wasim Akram just after T20 World Cup 2026

Shoaib Akhtar heaped praise on Jasprit Bumrah for his performance in the T20 World Cup 2026.

Former Pakistan pacer Shoaib Akhtar lauded Indian pacer Jasprit Bumrah following his brilliant performance in the T20 World Cup 2026. The senior Indian pacer clinched a spectacular four-wicket haul in the final between India and New Zealand on Sunday at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.

Bumrah conceded just 15 runs off his four-over spell, playing a key role in India‘s victory by 96 runs. He was also adjudged Player of the Match. With 14 wickets in eight games at an average of 12.43, he ended as the joint highest wicket-taker in the tournament with teammate Varun Chakravarthy.

Moreover, Bumrah’s economy of 6.21 was the best in the tournament, helping India to restrict opposition teams from going big. Also, his strict bowling in the death overs helped India to defend their total against England in the high-scoring semi-final.

Shoaib Akhtar compares Jasprit Bumrah with Wasim Akram

After Bumrah’s heroics in the IND vs NZ final of T20 World Cup 2026, Akhtar compared him to Pakistan bowling legend Wasim Akram. While speaking on a show on Tampad, he revealed a common quality that both these legendary fast bowlers have.

“He delivers good-lengths balls brilliantly. He is among the best bowlers in the world in bowling yorkers. At times, his back-of-the length deliveries charge at batsmen’s head are very deceiving,” he said.

At the same time, his game awareness is like Wasim Akram. I have seen such a thinking fast bowler after Akram for the first time. One who is always thinking,” Akhtar added.

Shoaib also added that Bumrah is always eager to showcase his skillsets in crunch situations, which makes him a very special player.

“Additionally, his ability to find situations to showcase his skillset makes him a very special bowler. He always comes forward to deliver his skills in challenging situations and is eager to display his tactics. He has been doing this for the last nine years. At the same time, his fitness across formats in commendable,” he concluded.

Meanwhile, Bumrah will now gear up for Indian Premier League (IPL 2026), where he will represent Mumbai Indians (MI). The 19th edition of the tournament will start on March 28.

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