IND vs PAK: Did Babar Azam commit a crime giving the Super Over to Mohammad Amir? Ajay Jadeja gives a no-nonsense verdict

Former Indian cricketer Ajay Jadeja defended Pakistan pacer Mohammad Amir amid criticism over his bowling in the Super Over against the United States of America (USA) in the T20 World Cup 2024. Ajay Jadeja drew parallels with veteran off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin's return to the Indian team after four years.

Mohammad Amir was the standout bowler for the Pakistan team against the USA in Dallas on Thursday, June 6. The left-arm pacer conceded 16 runs in the powerplay. However, he conceded only 10 runs in his final two overs. Amir's performance led the match to a Super Over in Pakistan's T20 World Cup opener.

Babar Azam handed the ball to Mohammad Amir for the Super Over, considering his experience in T20 cricket. The veteran pacer conceded just one boundary in the over. However, he faced challenges against the left-handed Harmeet Singh. He bowled three wides, and Pakistan's fielding conceded seven runs as extras.

The Men in Green failed to chase down the 19-run target in the Super Over. USA left-arm pacer Saurabh Netravalkar delivered an impressive performance and picked up the wicket of Iftikhar Ahmed. All-rounder Shadab Khan tried to help the team reach the target, but they fell short by five runs in a recent match.

Mohammad Amir Returned After Four Years - Ajay Jadeja

In the YouTube show 'Caught Behind,' Ajay Jadeja highlighted Mohammad Amir's recent return to the national team after a four-year hiatus. Jadeja emphasized that Amir's errors shouldn't be overanalyzed and also pointed out the Pakistani fielders conceded overthrows.

“If you want to sit and analyze that over from Amir, you would say that he is completely out of touch. But think from his point of view. He returned after four years with presumably the captain having a say, like we did with Ravichandran Ashwin. He too returned after four years and was not playing that format. Then you give that player a responsibility like that."

"He (Amir) is also human. Yes, there was pressure, but it was on others as well. Tell me how many runs were conceded via overthrows? There was sadness, disappointment...but we shouldn't analyze on that level,” Jadeja said.

Mohammad Amir Is An Experienced Bowler - Babar Azam

Earlier, Babar Azam defended Mohammad Amir's performance in the Super Over. The Pakistan skipper emphasized the USA team's astute batting, particularly their game awareness and ability to seize every opportunity.

"He [Amir] is an experienced bowler. He knows how to bowl and we were just trying to bowl according to field. But I think the US batsmen were smart. Even when the ball went to the keeper, they were running. So I think that thing was a plus point for them in the Super Over," Babar said at the post-match presentation.

The Babar Azam-led team is currently in third place in the Group A table with zero points. The Men in Green will face their archrivals, India, in their next match at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in New York on June 9. They must win their next match to stay in the race for the Super 8s.

Also read: IND vs PAK: Haris Rauf to be banned by ICC? Pakistan pacer accused of ball-tampering vs USA