Shoaib Akhtar-Sachin Tendulkar rivalry remains among the best legacies of cricket 

KARACHI: Former speedster Shoaib Akhtar thinks Pakistan are hot favourites to win against archrivals India in the high-voltage Champions Trophy clash on June 4.

Speaking to Geo.tv, Akhtar predicted that Sarfraz?s men will outclass Kohli-led India at Edgbaston.

"I will give a 60 percent margin to Pakistan and it?s because the team is in a good nick and they will definitely be playing to outclass India," he said.

?I am expecting a cracking match. Pakistan have got a proper bowling lineup, we have spinners, we just need proper application," he added.

The ?Rawalpindi Express? had a word of advice for the team.

"Pakistan team doesn't have to go out there with a defensive mindset. They need to keep rotating the strike and go for a better total and mind you, there is no pressure. It?s just like any other game,? he said.

A bit of sledging here and there - Champions Trophy 2004/Getty Images

When asked about his favourite Pakistan-India moment, Akhtar said it was yet to come.

"My favourite Pakistan-India moment is yet to come. It?s gonna be on June 4, when Pakistan will defeat India in the Champions Trophy," he said with a grin.

Bowling out Tendulkar for duck ?best feeling in the world?, says Shoaib Akhtar

It just never got better than a faceoff between fiery speedster Shoaib Akhtar and batting maestro Sachin Tendulkar

For Akhtar, memories of India-Pakistan encounters are always worth cherishing. Reminiscing about the famous Kolkata Test in which he showed Rahul Dravid and Sachin Tendulkar the way back to the pavilion with back-to-back in-swing yorkers, the former right-arm pacer said that he has great memories from that particular match.

"It was a very supportive crowd until I bowled out Sachin; as soon as I did, it was as if the entire Hindustan went against me,? he said.

?It was a great tour. The crowd was superb. It?s always been fun playing there.?

"We receive a lot of love from the crowd but the love evaporates when you win against India," Shoaib added with a chuckle.