LAHORE – Pakistan captain Sarfaraz Ahmed has expressed concern over ace bowler Mohammad Amir’s form ahead of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2019.
Amir, who was dropped after just one match in the recent five-match one-day international series against Australia in the United Arab Emirates, has gone wicketless in nine of his last 14 games. And Sarafraz was worried about the fast bowler’s predicament.
“When your main strike bowler is not taking wickets regularly, obviously it causes concern to the captain,” he told a television channel.
Pakistan stuns India to win Champions trophy 2017
Pakistan nearly missed out on qualification for the Champions Trophy altogether and began their campaign with a heavy loss to arch rivals India. But then victories over world No. 1 South Africa, Sri Lanka and hosts England set up a tantalising re-match against India in the Final at The Oval. Not to be denied on this occasion, Pakistan set an imposing total of 338, led by a century to Fakhar Zaman before Mohammad Amir and Hasan Ali combined to bowl India out for 158 to deliver an unlikely but memorable triumph.
In the ICC Champions Trophy 2017, Amir’s spell of 3/16 in the final rocked the tournament favourites India to hand Pakistan victory. He was in exceptional form then, tormenting the strong Indian top-order and it looked like the 26-year-old was here to stay. Unfortunately, a string of below par performances since then have cast a shadow of doubt over his inclusion in the World Cup squad.
