Pakistan left-arm fast bowler Mohammad Amir entered the 2019 World Cup with serious question marks over his bowling form and even his place in the team after struggling to pick up wickets for most of 2018 and also finding himself dropped for poor form.
But the left-arm pacer was still selected due to the experience he brings to the table and also his success on previous tours to the UK. On Wednesday, Pakistan’s decision was proven to be 100 per cent right as Amir made up for a horror bowling effort by the rest of the Pakistan attack by picking up his maiden five-wicket haul in ODIs against Australia in Taunton.
Amir finished with excellent figures of 5-30 in overcast conditions even as Australia ended up scoring 307 in 49 overs. If not for Amir, Pakistan would have easily conceded 350.
Mohammad Amir conceded just one boundary in his 10 overs spell and none off his last 41 balls. 10-2-30-5 is the most economical ten-over spell by a Pakistan pacer in four years. #AusvPak
— Mazher Arshad (@MazherArshad) June 12, 2019
ANALYSIS
Overs: 10
Maidens: 2
Runs conceded: 30
Wickets: 5
Econ: 3.0
30-SECOND REPORT
It was a masterclass on how to bowl in overcast conditions in England. Amir retained his zip and late swing throughout the 10 overs, using subtle variations to get the most out of the helpful conditions. It was imperative to keep things simple and Amir did that beautifully. Unfortunately, Shaheen Afridi and Hasan Ali went for pace without any direction and ended up going at seven an over. If only they had learned from Amir.
GOT RIGHT
Amir read the conditions perfectly and realised it was a case of less being more. With enough help on offer, a quality swing bowler like Amir didn’t need to try a lot of things. His death bowling was even more sensational as he scythed through the middle and lower order to pick up a thoroughly deserved five-wicket haul.
GOT WRONG
Personally, it was a superlative effort from Amir. Captain Sarfraz Ahmed couldn’t have possibly asked for more. However, being the leader of the attack, maybe Amir could have guided fellow quicks Shaheen and Ali better with regards to their lines and lengths. Maybe he did and it just didn’t work on Wednesday.
Verdict: 9/10
