Abrar’s double strike in an over was turning point, says Mohammad Amir

By our correspondent
LAHORE: Quetta Gladiators left-arm pacer Mohammad Amir on Sunday said that spinner Abrar Ahmed’s double strike in an over was the turning point of the game and it was from there Gladiators controlled the situation.
“I think credit goes to Abrar as the way he took the wickets of well-set Babar Azam and Cadmore in one over I think that was the turning point of the game,” Amir told a post-match news conference.
Quetta Gladiators downed Peshawar Zalmi b 16 runs in their opener here at the Gaddafi Stadium Lahore.
Quetta Gladiators scored 206-5 thanks to solid fifties from Jason Roy (75) and Saud Shakeel (74).
In response, Pesahwar Zalmi were restricted to 190-6 with Babar Azam scoring 68 and Saim Ayub making 42.
Mohammad Amir bowled extremely well in the death overs and took 1-29 in his quota of four overs. Abrar
claimed 2-29.
Amir said that chasing 200 is not an easy target on any wicket.
“On any wicket chasing 200 is not an easy target. Our plan was that the wicket which demands us we should bowl accordingly. We knew that in the death overs if they required ten runs an over it would not be easy but I think credit goes to Abrar as the way he removed Babar Cadmore in one over titled the game towards us,” Amir said.
Asked how different he felt while representing Gladiators Amir said he spent last eight years very well with the Karachi Kings.
“And Quetta is also like a home for me and Nadeem Bhai wanted me to play for Quetta from day-1 and when I was coming back to cricket, I played Grade-II also from Omar Associates and from the very first day I remember that he wanted me to play for Quetta Gladiators. I also have a good experience with both Azam Khan Bhai and Nadeem Bhai who is a loving person. And I hope to fulfill his love and deliver in this season,” Amir said.
Amir said that he bowls with a plan and according to the wicket.
“My mindset is that I never see a batsman but on the day the wicket demands from me and on a day which ball can create problems for the batsmen I try to apply that,” Amir said.
“You bowl in the death overs according to your field placement. When I bowl in the death overs, I keep an option open for me that I have two to three balls in an option. In the death overs if a set batsman faces you, he does not leave half volley. I always try to adjust my field and bowl accordingly,” Amir said.
“Mohammad Waseem Junior bowled last two overs very well. The wicket was very good. Honestly a day will come when I will also be punished as you cannot say anything on such wickets. T20 is all about batsmen way I always say. But as a bowler you should know about your plans and the wicket which demands you on a day it becomes easy if you have the right plans in place,” he said.
“Look Quetta has the best bowling attack in this PSL. Hasnain is international player, Mohammad Waseem Junior is still playing for Pakistan, Akeal Hosein, me and Abrar and I think we don’t have any excuse as a bowling unit. I think Quetta have one of the best bowling attack,” Amir said.
Amir said that PSL is a special for him.
“I am thankful to the fans as they love me and give respect. I always try to perform for my team. I think PSL is very special for me because with the love and admiration Nadeem Omar Bhai has picked me for Quetta Gladiators and I want to live up to his expectations and perform well for Gladiators,” Amir said.
Asked that Viv Richards has praised him a lot Amir said that it’s a proud moment for him if a great player like Richards has praised him.
“He is a legend, everybody knows,” he said.
“We play cricket in Pakistan and everybody knows that here high scoring games will happen and your training should be according to these wickets,” Amir said.