T20 World Cup: Virat Kohli, Jasprit Bumrah Can Take Game Away Pakistan, Says Former Pakistan All-Rounder

Kohli and Jasprit Bumrah in their high-profile T20 World Cup match on Sunday for a win and get their campaign back on track. While India started the tournament with a resounding eight-wicket win over Ireland, Pakistan shockingly went down against co-hosts USA in the Super Over. “Virat Kohli and Jasprit Bumrah will make an impact for India in the game because of their experience and also the quality of both of them. They can easily take the game away from Pakistan,” Alam told PTI videos in an interview.

“As a team, India is well-balanced, and it will be really hard to get past them.” Alam, who played 19 Tests, 38 ODIs and 24 T20Is for his country, said left-arm pacer Mohammad Amir will have to come up with a match-turning effort against India, similar to his burst against them in the Champions Trophy final 2017.

“I feel Mohammad Amir will redeem himself and give a match-winning performance against India alongside captain Babar who has had a pretty decent record against them,” said Alam, whose last T20I for Pakistan came back in 2010.

Amir had an ordinary Super Over against the USA, conceding 18 runs, but Alam warned against writing the pacer off.

“Based on that super over, you can't blame Amir. He is not the same bowler as he was four years back.

“He has been playing cricket in different leagues and is still Pakistan's best and most experienced bowler,” he added.

Alam, however, accepted that losing to the USA was not “acceptable” and Pakistan would feel pressure against India.

“Pakistan losing to the USA is very shocking. The USA is playing in their first World Cup, so it is not acceptable at all.

“Now the pressure is on Pakistan in the game against India. All I can hope is for a good game of cricket,” he said.

Alam hoped