Mohammad Amir announced his international retirement earlier this month. One of the highest points of his career was winning the Champions Trophy Final in 2017 with Pakistan. Pakistan beat India and Amir had a big part to play in it. In his opening spell, he took the wickets of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli to give India early blows as they were chasing a big total. After retirement, now he recalls bowling to both of them in the final.
India were chasing 339 to win and were bowled out for 158. Mohammad Amir took the wickets of Dhawan, Kohli and Rohit in his opening spell. He recalls bowling a matchwinning spell in the final and dismissing the two best Indian batsmen.
“When I held the ball, the first thought that came to my mind was how enjoyable it would be if I can get these three batsmen out that day. I was thinking about that while going back to my run-up,” Amir said.
He further said he knew about the problems faced by Rohit Sharma outside the off stump initially in his innings. He then said how he played with his mind and planned his dismissal.
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“I knew Sharma struggles against in-swing. So, my plan was that I will not bring in the first two balls. I will make him feel that the ball is not swinging and will take the ball away with the angle. If you see the first two balls, I just took them away with the angle. The third ball I brought it in. So, that was the plan which worked.” Amir said.
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Mohammad Amir Recalls Dismissing Virat Kohli in CT 17 Final
He further said how he planned Virat Kohli’s dismissal. Kohli was given an early life after he was dropped in the slips. However, he was caught in the gully area for just five runs.
“Kohli came and when his catch was dropped, I remembered about Fakhar because he had got out to a no-ball and then scored a century. And I had not seen such a batting wicket at the Oval. So, while going to my run-up I was thinking that if Kohli stands there now, he will finish the match in 40-45 overs,” recalled Amir.
