Mohammad Amir predicts Pakistan's survival chances in Champions Trophy
What's the story
After a disappointing 60-run defeat against New Zealand in the Champions Trophy opener, the Pakistan cricket team are now under pressure to win against India. Now the crucial clash on Sunday is important for their semi-final qualification hopes. Meanwhile, former Pakistani pacer, Mohammad Amir spoke about this on the Hasna Mana Hai show. He admitted "This defeat just increases the pressure of the India game. I still have hope (that Pakistan will qualify for the semis) as a Pakistani."
Tournament odds
Amir assesses Pakistan's chances in Champions Trophy
When asked about Pakistan's chances of staying in the tournament, Amir gave the team a 40% chance to stay in the ICC Champions Trophy after their loss to New Zealand. He stated, "I had said yesterday that New Zealand are hot favourites. When teams come for big tournaments like the Champions Trophy, they tick all the boxes." However, he also highlighted a few weaknesses in the Pakistani team stating, "But Pakistan team has so many flaws."
Recent triumphs
Amir highlights Pakistan's recent victories
Despite the setback, Amir is hopeful about Pakistan's chances in the tournament. He pointed out their recent series wins in Australia and South Africa as reasons for his optimism. "I have high hopes because Pakistan have recently won both away series," he told TimesofIndia.com. He thinks these successful performances overseas will give Pakistan an edge as the Champions Trophy is being held on their home turf.
Diplomatic tensions
Amir expresses disappointment over India's decision
Amir was disappointed with India's decision to not send their cricket team to Pakistan amid the prevailing political tensions. He said he wanted the issues to be resolved and there shouldn't be any boundaries in cricket. However, the highly anticipated India vs Pakistan clash on February 23 in the UAE remains the Champions Trophy's biggest highlight.
Injury blow
Fakhar Zaman ruled out of ICC Champions Trophy
Pakistan's opening batsman, Fakhar Zaman, has been ruled out of the Champions Trophy with an injury. Meanwhile, Imam-ul-Haq has been approved by the ICC as the opener's replacement. The incident occurred during Pakistan's opening match against New Zealand at Karachi's National Stadium on Wednesday. Fakhar sustained the injury while fielding in the first over after Pakistan chose to bowl first. Additionally, this comes as a major blow for the hosts amid the team's struggles, just adding to their woes.
Match recap
New Zealand tame Pakistan in ICC Champions Trophy opener
An all-round New Zealand side beat defending champions Pakistan in match number 1 of the ICC Champions Trophy in Karachi on Wednesday. Centurions Will Young (107) and Tom Latham (118*) were brilliant. Glenn Phillips scored a whirlwind knock as New Zealand posted 320/5 in 50 overs. In response, Babar Azam and Khushdil Shah's fifties weren't enough as Pakistan (260/10) suffered a big defeat. Will O'Rourke and Mitchell Santer shined for NZ bagging three wickets each.
Batting struggles
Pakistan's batting struggles evident in loss against NZ
As Amir mentioned, Pakistan's loss to NZ has exposed a few crucial chinks in the armor for the hosts. Meanwhile, their batting order has been a crucial issue, with Pakistan losing two wickets within 10 overs, and managing just 22 runs. Additionally, Pakistan had lost their top order, except Azam after 30.4 overs managing just 127 runs. This showcases Pakistan's batting struggles ahead of the India match. Adding to their agony, opener Zaman has been ruled out of the tournament.