Pakistan’s pace spearhead Mohammad Amir has singled out Virat Kohli as the most prized scalp ahead of the much-awaited Champions Trophy final between the two arch-rivals on Sunday (June 18). The Virat Kohli threat looms large over Pakistan, as they are gearing up to cause an upset by beating the high-flying Indian team to lay their hands on the coveted trophy for the first time.
Prior to the ongoing tournament, Virat Kohli had hit two centuries to amass 373 runs at an impressive average of 41.44 in 10 ODIs against the Men in Green. Kohli had not enjoyed a good outing against the arch-rivals during the bilateral ODI series in 2012-13 but has developed a knack of producing exceptional knocks in big matches against the team from across the border.
During the 2015 World Cup, his classy century had fired the Men in Blue to a comfortable win and who can forget his 183 runs knock in the 2012 Asia Cup when India had chased down a mammoth 329. Last year, India played Pakistan twice and Kohli was the difference between the two teams on both the occasions. His composed 49 had helped India overcome a dangerous Pakistan pace attack in Dhaka and his sublime half-century resulted in an Indian victory at the Eden Gardens in the World T20 as well.
And he once again proved his liking for Pakistan by scoring a magnificent 81 in the Champions Trophy opener and the form he is in right now, there is no denying that he will be a big challenge for Pakistan. His scores in the ongoing tournament read 81, 0, 76*, 96* and Amir is under no illusion that dismissing Kohli early will give his team a big advantage.
Amir feels the India skipper will be under pressure to deliver in his maiden final as the captain. He also said that dismissing India’s in-form top three will be crucial for his team to make early inroads.
“The Indian team relies on Virat Kohli. He will be under pressure because it’s his first big tournament final as a captain. There’s no doubt that his wicket will give us the advantage,” Amir said.
“Getting the top three Indian batsmen early on will be crucial,” he added.
Amir, meanwhile, has been declared fit to play the final. The left-arm pacer had missed his side’s semifinal win against England due to a back spasm.