Mohammad Amir is the best bowler: Shahid Afridi

Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi has asserted that fast bowler Mohammad Amir is currently “the best” in the international circuit. He hailed that his name is already among the top international pacers in the world.

The left arm fast bowler returned to international cricket after serving a five-year ban for spot-fixing but looked to be bowling with the same fire he used to as 18-year-old. His wrecked a havoc in the Pakistan Super League and most recently dismantled the Indian batsmen in the Asia Cup 2016. However, a few days back, India opener Rohit Sharma said there was nothing to “go gaga” over Amir.

“Now if he (Rohit) has said something like that, you have to ask him. For me, Mohammad Amir is the best. The way he has been performing, like how he has performed in the past, his name is there among the top international bowlers,” Afridi told reporters here on Sunday.

Afridi also spoke about the Pakistan continuous failure to win any game against India in World Cups.

“This (Pakistani record vis-a-vis India) is negative. However, negatives come with positives. India are playing very good cricket at the moment. The last game against us in the Asia Cup, we had it in the first few overs but then there were some great performances from Virat Kohli and Yuvraj Singh,” the all-rounder said speaking on the same Eden Gardens.

The 36-year-old feels that the start of the tournament is very important and would therefore, take one game at a time. He states that it is important to get I the groove from the first game itself. Pakistan are pitted in a tough group along with Australia, India, and New Zealand.

“Obviously the first game is very important, playing against Bangladesh. Then another against India. Both very crucial games for us. We have to get into the groove from the first game itself. The pitch here suits us and for us both matches are very important,” said Afridi.

The right-arm spinner added that Pakistan are confident of their bowling line-up and are looking forward to playing in the cricket extravaganza.

“Bowling attack is great. Amir, Mohammad Irfan and Mohammad Sami has come back and Wahab Riaz. The fast bowling attack is really good. If our batsmen play according to plan and put up a good score, then we have a bowling unit who can defend it. I am very much confident of the bowlers.”

Afridi said he might move up the batting order and play with added responsibility as he was a senior member of the side.

“As captain I give youngsters a lot of chances. Same situation here. But in big events seniors (must soak) most of the pressure, be it me Mohammad Hafeez or Shoaib Malik. I may come out to bat in the top order,” he said.