Pakistan captain Sarfraz Ahmed Tuesday said he is concerned at the wicket-less spell of his strike bowler Mohammad Aamir, as his side geared up to take on arch-rivals India in the Asia Cup. Left-arm pacer Aamir has not been amongst the wickets in recent times and his skipper was asked about it in the pre-match press conference.
“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 (Aamir) and told him that he is our strike bowler and has to pick wickets too. Hope he does that tomorrow,” Sarfraz told reporters.
“As a team not to have your regular captain is a factor. There could be a difference in the frame of mind. But they have enough players who have done well for them, and the conditions are also the same for them. If conditions are adverse then a world class player makes a difference,” Sarfraz said on the eve of the big game.
Pakistan got the better of India in the final of Champions Trophy last year, and Sarfraz said that the win will always remain special. “That was past, that match was memorable, it would be remembered but it is a new match, new atmosphere, we would like to take the momentum of our last match into tomorrow’s game. As for craze, when we are playing against India, everybody wants us to win. It inspires us, we get well wishes from fans. It’s the same for Indians. Any player who performs here gets to be a hero, it has been the case in the past.”
Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan is expected to watch his country’s group league encounter against India, according to media reports in Karachi. Told about it, Sarfraz said, “Imran bhai has following all over. It would be nice for the fans and it would also be motivating for us.”
