Karachi Kings have plenty of power in their bowling ranks. Shahid Afridi, Imad Wasim, Tymal Mills and Mohammad Amir raised their game in their opening Pakistan Super League win on Friday.
Amir took 1-20 in that 19-run victory over Quetta Gladiators. He was far more incisive in Kings’ five-wicket triumph over Peshawar Zalmi 24 hours later on Sunday.
Here, we analyse the performance of the Pakistani 25-year-old pacer.
STATISTICS
Overs bowled: 2
Wickets: 2
Economy: 3.00
Maidens: 0
Runs conceded: 6
Fours: 1
Sixes: 0
30-SECOND REPORT AND KEY MOMENTS
Despite being on the winning side on Friday night, Amir was fairly quiet with one wicket to his name. It was a different story on Sunday, showcasing his full range of skills that have made him one of the best bowlers in the world.
After Kamran Akmal had taken apart captain Imad Wasim for 14 runs off three balls in the first over, Amir dismissed the batsman in his first over itself. A full bull on middle stump beat Akmal for pace and swing as he was trapped lbw.
OUT! 1.4 Mohammad Amir to Kamran Akmal
— PakistanSuperLeague (@thePSLt20) February 25, 2018
Watch ball by ball highlights at https://t.co/HH9HDxEsZX#KKvPZ #HBLPSL #Cricingif #PSL2018 pic.twitter.com/q82U0tXJw5
In his second over, Amir removed left-handed Tamim Iqbal with another ball that swung late, catching the outside edge that went to the keeper.
However, he did not complete his full quota of four overs. Speaking in a post-innings interview, Amir revealed he “had pain on his right side” and was advised by the team doctor to take it easy.
GOT RIGHT:
Bowled only two overs but made an instant impact, claiming a wicket in each and that too of Peshawar Zalmi’s opening batsmen. His deliveries had late swing and pace and while he couldn’t add to that tally, didn’t give too many runs away.
GOT WRONG:
Hard to find any weakness. Did exactly what was needed of him with the ball and that was to contain the batsmen and take crucial wickets.
VERDICT: 7
Just 12 balls were bowled but that was all that he needed. If it wasn’t for an injury concern, he would most likely have taken more. Even so it was a job well done by the Pakistani pacer.
