It's Sachin's World Cup, says Akram

Legendary fast bowler Wasim Akram believes that India, having come through two consecutive tough games, are the favourites to win the World Cup.

Sachin Tendulkar

Mahendra Singh Dhoni's men, who will take on Sri Lanka in the final at the Wankhede stadium on Saturday, knocked out defending champions Australia in the quarter-finals before taming arch-rivals Pakistan in a tense semi-final in Mohali on Wednesday.

"No doubt, India are the favourites. They are playing like a champion side. The whole team is playing as a unit. I think India will put up their best performance in the final," Akram told MiD DAY.

The 44-year-old former Pakistani speedster was full of praise for star batsman Sachin Tendulkar. "This is Sachin Tendulkar's World Cup. He has played brilliantly, and not only that, he has also motivated his team. Who says Tendulkar is 37? He is playing like a youngster," Akram said.

This would be the last World Cup only for Tendulkar and also Sri Lanka's record-breaking spinner Muttiah Muralitharan who would bid adieu to international cricket after the tournament. Akram said that added more colour to the final.