'He is not the same bowler he was 4 years back': Ex Pakistan batter defends Mohammad Amir, touts him match-winner vs India

Pakistan cricketer Fawad Alam has touted Mohammad Amir and skipper Babar Azam as the two players who will make an impact against India in the much-awaited clash of T20 World Cup 2024 on June 9.  Amir was expensive in the super over against USA and conceded 18 runs as Pakistan suffered a historic loss against the co-hosts. 
 

“I feel Mohammad Amir will redeem himself and give a match-winning performance against India alongside captain Babar who has had a pretty decent record against them,” Alam told PTI. 
 

Alam said that Amir’s experience will come in handy. The left-arm pacer conceded 25 runs from four overs and bagged the wicket of USA. 
 

“Based on that super over, you can't blame Amir. He is not the same bowler as he was four years back.
 

“He has been playing cricket in different leagues and is still Pakistan's best and most experienced bowler,” he added.
 

Loss against USA unacceptable

Alam turned the historic defeat against the USA as unacceptable. The loss has led to Pakistan feeling more pressure before taking on Rohit Sharma's India.
 

“Pakistan losing to the USA is very shocking. The USA is playing in their first World Cup, so it is not acceptable at all.
 

“Now the pressure is on Pakistan in the game against India. All I can hope is for a good game of cricket,” he said.

 

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Bumrah, Kohli pose a threat

Alam has said that pace-bowling spearhead Jasprit Bumrah and Virat Kohli will be the biggest threat to Pakistan. While Bumrah bagged the ‘Player of the match’ award, Kohli departed for a single-digit score against Ireland.
 

“Virat Kohli and Jasprit Bumrah will make an impact for India in the game because of their experience and also the quality of both of them. They can easily take the game away from Pakistan,” the 38-year-old added.

 

ALSO READ: EXCLUSIVE - Navjot Singh Sidhu's big remark ahead of IND vs PAK clash in T20 World Cup 2024, say ‘you should not lose against Pakistan’
 

Imad’s injury a big loss

Alam is shocked by all-rounder Imad Wasim's injury. Wasim was ruled out of USA clash due to side strain. He is unlikely to play against India and Pakistan’s spin attack looks weak as well. 
 

“Imad Wasim's injury has come as a shock. Shadab is completely out of form with the ball in his hand. Pakistan is clearly lagging in bowling, especially in the spin department.
 

“India has Bumrah, (Mohammad) Siraj, and Kuldeep (Yadav) who can pose a threat. But if Pakistan bowling clicks in the improved conditions as claimed by ICC then we may witness them having an edge over India,” he noted.
 

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