Pakistan’s pace battery raring to go

Jun.02, 2009 in Pakistan

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Pakistan’s bowling attack for the ICC World Twenty20 could provide some anxious moments to opposition batsmen with the addition of the country’s newest fast bowling sensation Mohammad Aamer to its pace battery. The attack already includes Umar Gul, the leading wicket-taker at the last World Twenty20.

Gul said he wanted to do better than last time and would attack the batsmen right from the first ball. “We have a balanced attack and if we bowl to a tight line and length, then we can get teams out or restrict them to gettable totals.”

Gul said he preferred bowling first change since more swing could be obtained. “It’s the ideal time to not only stop the flow of runs but to take wickets. We came so close to winning the title in 2007 but it was bad luck. This time round we want to finish it without a blemish. The title, nothing less, is the aim.”

Aamer, a 17-year old left-arm fast bowler from Rawalpindi, has said he wants to emulate his idol Wasim Akram’s success in the 1992 World Cup when he plays in the World Twenty20.

“I want fairytale success, and will do my best for it,” Aamer said.

Aamer, a protégé of Akram who had called for his selection to the national side in July last year, was born only two weeks after Akram’s feats at the 1992 World Cup but said he had watched videos of his idol and that attracted him to cricket. “I was never interested in joining the army. I was attracted by cricket and by Wasim Akram,” he said. In his maiden first-class season, Aamer took 56 wickets in 10 matches for Rawalpindi. He also picked up 15 wickets in List A games and was picked for the Bangladesh tour which was postponed. Along with Mohammad Talha, Aamer is regarded as Pakistan’s latest pace sensation.

Shakil Shaikh, the official who spotted Aamer, said his swing and pace was handy. “Aamer’s strong point is that he can judge a batsman after a few deliveries and then plan his deliveries,” Shaikh said.

Akram has tipped him to be a revelation in the World Twenty20. “I have watched him more than once and he’s impressive with over 140kmh speed and can swing the ball both ways.”

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