It was during a recent match of the ICC T20 World Cup that Pacer Mohammad Amir won the Man of the Match award as Pakistan defeated Canada by seven runs in the match played at Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in New York.
The victory marked Pakistan’s initial success in the tournament. Aadding a crucial two points to their tally and boosting their prospects of advancing to the Super 8 stage.
Challenging pitch conditions- this is how pacer Mohammad Amir described it in his post-match speech. For him, tough circumstances are not an excuse since he emphasized on adapting and focusing on giving an accurate ball.
“As a bowler, you have to adapt to any conditions. I just wanted to hit the right areas and the conditions were tough. As a professional, you have to know your role and I knew I had to bowl with new ball at death.” The last 3 or 4 balls were away swingers so after that it went back in.”
This win is important because we need it but we have one more game left who knows?
Batting first, Canada struggled to play significant innings against Pakistan’s bowling attack and managed only 106/7 in allotted overs of 20.
It was difficult for Canadian batsmen to face pace and skillful deliveries from Pakistani bowlers. Who could only manage Aaron Johnson’s contribution of 52 off 44 balls. Aamir with figures of 2/13 led from front with Haris Rauf also taking two wickets.
Pakistan chasing began with minor setback as they lost early wicket. However, second wicket partnership between Mohammad Rizwan and Captain Babar Azam was pivotal in terms of stabilizing things for them.
Rizwan contributed unbeaten half century which consisted 53 runs from his bat off just as many balls while he stayed there when needed till Pakistani hands slipped through seven wickets remaining and fifteen balls still available; target taking them to 107. Canada’s Dillon Heyliger stood out with two wickets.
With the victory, Pakistan moved to third place in the group on two points after three games, tied with Canada but ahead in other criteria. Aamir was the Man of the Match for his outstanding bowling performance.
