Misbah backs Mohammad Amir for crucial role in T20 World Cup 2024

Former Pakistan captain Misbah-ul-Haq has showered praise on Amir's comeback ahead of the T20 World Cup.

Reflecting on Amir's performance during Pakistan's 2017 Champions Trophy triumph, Misbah noted a shift in his bowling dynamics, citing a decrease in pace, swing, and zip. However, he emphasized that Amir has compensated with valuable experience gained over the years.

Speaking at the Star Sports Press room, Misbah remarked, “Last time back in 2017 in the Champions Trophy, there is quite a difference between that Amir and today’s Amir. Back then, there was more pace, more swing, more zip in his bowling. But now these factors might have been slightly reduced, but there is an advantage. He know has huge experience.”

Misbah highlighted Amir's expertise as a death bowler, emphasizing his ability to thrive under pressure and deploy variations effectively.

“And his experience as a death bowler, how to bowl under pressure and use variations. These factors will be a crucial asset in Amir’s forte this time. He might not be that effective with the new ball, but in the death he will be crucial with his slower balls, aimed at outside the off stump,” Misbah added.

Moreover, Misbah emphasized Amir's capacity to handle pressure, particularly in high-stakes encounters against formidable opponents like India.

“And lastly, comes the major factor of pressure handling. In big games, where you have previously faced big teams and won games, it is more for Amir while facing India,” he concluded.