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During the T20 World Cup match against the USA, Pakistan conceded 18 runs in the Super Over, with Mohammad Amit delivering three wides.
In the match against the USA, Mohammad Amir showcased his bowling prowess for Pakistan. Although he initially conceded 16 runs in the powerplay, he staged a remarkable comeback in the death overs, giving away just 10 more runs in his final two overs. Amir’s exceptional performance played a vital role in Pakistan’s resurgence towards the end of the match, ultimately leading to a Super Over as the co-hosts fought back in the T20 World Cup encounter at the Grand Prairie Stadium in Dallas on Thursday.
Captain Babar Azam’s decision to entrust Mohammad Amir with the Super Over against the USA seemed reasonable. However, the seasoned left-arm pacer faced difficulties against the left-handed Harmeet, delivering three wides. Pakistan’s lackluster fielding also contributed to seven runs conceded as extras in the 18-run over. Despite their efforts, the 2009 champions couldn’t chase down the target.
Following Pakistan’s unexpected defeat in the Group A encounter, Amir’s performance drew criticism from experts. However, former India cricketer Ajay Jadeja came to his defense, stating that Amir, who recently returned to the national team after a four-year retirement, was burdened with a significant responsibility. Jadeja emphasized that Amir’s mistakes should not be overly scrutinized. In support of his argument, he drew a comparison with India’s Ravichandran Ashwin, who was drafted into the T20 World Cup squad in 2020 due to Washington Sundar’s injury after a four-year absence from international cricket.
“If you want to sit and analysis that over from Amir, you would say that he is completely out of touch. But think from his point of view. He returned after four years with presumably the captain having a say, like we did with Ravichandran Ashwin. He too returned after four years and was not playing that format. Then you give that player a responsibility like that. He (Amir) is also human. Yes there was pressure, but it was on others as well. Tell me how many runs were conceded via overthrows? There was sadness, disappointment…but we shouldn’t analyse on that level,” he said in a YouTube show ‘Caught Behind’.
Previously, Babar also stood by Amir regarding the Super Over performance, attributing it to the USA batter’s game awareness.
“He [Amir] is an experienced bowler,” Babar said at the post-match presentation. “He knows how to bowl and we were just trying to bowl according to field. But I think the US batsmen were smart. Even when the ball went to the keeper, they were running. So I think that thing was a plus point for them in the Super Over.”
