Pakistan skipper concerned about Mohammad Amir’s wicketless run

Even though Pakistan started their Asia Cup campaign with a bang by blowing away qualifiers Hong Kong by 8 wickets, skipper Sarfraz Ahmed said the lack of form of strike bowler Mohammad Amir remained a concern. Pakistan will take on defending champions India in their final group encounter on Wednesday.

The left-arm pacer went wicketless in the game against Hong Kong although he was economical (20 off seven). But given the opposition, the lack of wicket for Amir left his captain worried ahead of the crucial India clash. In fact, the 26-year-old bowler’s last international wicket came more than two months ago against Zimbabwe and he has gone without a reward for the last three games, all against low-ranked teams.

Have spoken to Amir

When asked about Amir’s form in a pre-match conference, Sarfraz said: “I am concerned but I don’t think wickets itself are a reflection of performance. Take for example, India pacer (Mohammad) Shami’s case in England. He bowled well but couldn’t get wickets. I have spoken to him (Amir) and told him that he is our strike bowler and has to pick wickets too. Hope he does that tomorrow.”

Sarfraz, who has led Pakistan to memorable victories in recent times including the title win in Champions Trophy last year, was not ready to read too much into Virat Kohli’s absence in the Indian side though he said India could miss their regular captain. India are being led by Rohit Sharma in the tournament.

On opener Fakhar Zaman, the dynamic skipper said his form has been a key factor behind Pakistan’s success in the limited-over versions. He said the left-hand opener’s scores have always given Pakistan a good launching pad and he hoped the same would happen in Asia Cup as well. Zaman though could not score more than 24 in the match against Hong Kong.

Both India and Pakistan are favourites to make the Super Four stage from their group and meet each other again on September 23. However, India were facing a good challenge from Hong Kong as the latter were having an easy chase of the defending champions’ score of 285.

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