IND vs PAK: Kamran Akmal makes a bold prediction on Virat Kohli vs Mohammad Amir battle in T20 World Cup 2024 showdown

Excitement is building among cricket fans as the possibility of a showdown between Mohammad Amir and Virat Kohli is on the cards when India and Pakistan revive their rivalry in the group match of the ongoing ICC T20 World Cup 2024 in New York on Sunday, June 9.

The much-awaited blockbuster clash between the India and Pakistan cricket teams is scheduled to take place on Sunday at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in New York.

While the Indian cricket team kicked off their T20 World Cup 2024 campaign on a winning note against Ireland, the Men in Green suffered a shocking loss to the USA in their opening game in Texas.

Kamran Akmal weighs in on Virat Kohli vs Mohammad Amir battle in T20 World Cup 2024 showdown

Well, ahead of the high-stakes IND vs PAK encounter in New York, former Pakistan wicketkeeper-batter Kamran Akmal shared his views on the potential clash between Kohli and Amir. He acknowledged Amir's historical prowess against Kohli but expressed concerns about his current form.

Akmal said that Amir has historically troubled Kohli in the past, but the current form of Kohli and their confidence are exceptionally high, so the Indian batting maestro will have an edge over the Pakistani pacer in the T20 World Cup 2024 clash in New York.

However, the former Pakistani keeper pointed out that Amir's skills and experience as a fast bowler cannot be underestimated, but he made a comeback to the game after a long gap, so it might affect his performance in a potential showdown with Kohli during the India-Pakistan encounter.

Akmal highlighted that if Amir had been consistently playing for the Men in Green, then the battle between the speedster and Kohli would have been amazing. So, he opined that the dashing right-hander holds the advantage in the T20 World Cup 2024 clash due to his current form.

Virat Kohli's iconic six against Haris Rauf still haunts Pakistanis: Kamran Akmal

Apart from his current form with the bat, Kohli has an expectational record against Pakistan and played many memorable innings, including an unbeaten 53-ball 82* in the 2022 T20 World Cup at the MCG, where he smashed a delivery from Haris Rauf with an almost straight bat, straight back over the bowler's head for a six, and this is considered one of the iconic sixes.

Kohli had snatched the game from the jaws of defeat, guiding the Men in Blue to a four-wicket win over the Men in Green and Akmal said that his six off Rauf is still fresh in every Pakistani's memory.

Notably, Virat and Amir have faced each other six times in international cricket, with the Indian star scoring 56 runs in 60 balls and the Pakistani pacer outsmarting him on two occasions.

Kamran Akmal was quoted as saying by Times of India: “Amir has always given a tough time to Virat Kohli. However, the current form and confidence level of Virat are too high. He has played many innings against Pakistan. The six that Virat hit off Haris Rauf is still fresh in every Pakistani's memory.

Amir is a skilled and experienced fast bowler, but he has made a comeback after a long period. That gap might affect him this time. If he had been playing continuously, the battle between Amir and Virat would have been amazing. Virat will have an edge over Amir this time.”