It’s India vs Pakistan in the final of Champions Trophy 2017. Pakistan fast bowler Mohammad Amir is likely to be fit for selection for the Champions Trophy final against India on Sunday, after completing an entire training session at The Oval on Friday.
Azhar Mahmood, Pakistan’s bowling coach, said Amir was fit but did not comment on whether the bowler would play the final. “Amir bowled today. Amir is fit,” Mahmood said on Friday. “We have not decided about (playing him).”
Despite bowling well, Amir was wicketless in the first two league matches, against India and South Africa. He had success against Sri Lanka, taking 2 for 53 and scoring a valuable 28 not out in an eighth-wicket partnership that sealed a semi-final place for Pakistan.
“When you go to a final, you want your experienced player, you want him to be fully fit and participating on that particular day,” Mahmood said.” But (we have told him) if he has any doubt he should let us know. At the moment he bowled today. He is fine. Yeah, definitely you would go with Amir, but we don’t mind if Amir can’t play. If he is not fit, then we have to move on.”
In the semi-final, Amir was replaced by Rumman Raees. Raees and Junaid surprised England, dismissing one of the best batting units.
Mahmood did, however, hint that if Amir was picked on Sunday, it could be at the expense of Raees.
“Let us see who is going to play – Rumman Raees or Amir. Doesn’t matter. He ] is a quality bowler as well. And he showed in the semi-finals on a big stage he can do the job for us.”
Amir has been a near-constant presence in the Pakistan XI since his return to international cricket at the start of 2016, playing 47 out of the side’s 57 international matches.