Former Pakistan pacer Mohammad Amir has once again stirred debate during the ongoing T20 World Cup, this time admitting that Sanju Samson played the knock of his life while maintaining that India are still not playing good cricket.
India vs West Indies: Scorecard | Highlights
Amir, who had earlier predicted that India would not make the semi-finals, found himself at the receiving end of social media criticism after India defeated West Indies by five wickets on March 1 at the iconic Eden Gardens to book their place in the last four.
Despite the result, Amir did not completely back down from his assessment.
“You said they have proved me wrong. Look, where credit is due, it should be given. Sanju Samson played the best innings of his life. I have seen his knocks in the IPL and other matches, but this innings – and that too in a do-or-die game, a knockout – was special,” Amir said on Haarna Mana Hai, surprising even the show’s anchor.
Samson’s unbeaten 97 came under immense pressure, with India chasing a daunting 196 in front of more than 65,000 fans. On a night when India’s in-form batters failed to capitalise on starts, Samson held the innings together, timing his acceleration perfectly to guide the team to 199 for 5 in 19.2 overs.
However, Amir maintained that one outstanding performance does not hide larger issues.
“But if I analyse it purely from a cricketing point of view, India are not playing good cricket overall. I am still telling you – just check their fielding. They dropped three to four catches and fumbled in the field. Apart from Bumrah, every other bowler is getting hit. India are playing on the strength of just one bowler,” he added.
Earlier, West Indies executed a clear attacking blueprint after being asked to bat. Roston Chase laid the foundation before Rovman Powell (34 not out off 19 balls) and Jason Holder (37 not out off 22 balls) launched a late assault to post a challenging 195 for 4.
Samson’s innings not only ensured India’s passage to the semi-finals but also silenced critics questioning his temperament in big games.
India will now face England in the second semi-final at the Wankhede Stadium on March 5, where a spot in the T20 World Cup final will be at stake. Whether Amir’s prediction about India’s overall form holds true will be tested on the big stage once again.
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