Former Pakistan pacer Mohammad Amir has slammed New Zealand skipper Mitchell Santner and his bowling attack for their wayward line and length against India in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 final. Amir who had predicted that India won’t reach the semifinal or final, questioned Santner for not using off-spin against Abhishek Sharma and introducing Jacob Duffy into the attack. He claims he has never seen New Zealand under such pressure in over two decades.
“Credit to New Zealand bowlers. They were bowling wides and were being hit for sixes from there. It's not like India doesn't deserve any credit. I just didn't understand the bowling changes. When you know Abhishek Sharma struggles against spinners, you bring in Jacob Duffy,” said Amir on Geo News’ ‘Haarna Mana Hai’ show.
“I have never seen New Zealand under such pressure. I have been following them since 2005 but I have never seen them under pressure,” he added.
Phillips underused? Duffy fails
Glenn Phillips had bowled just one over to Abhishek in the powerplay overs. Abhishek played cautiously against him. After the five-run over, Santner introduced pacer Duffy into the attack to see if there is any seam or swing. The plan backfired as Abhishek and Sanju Samson went berserk in the powerplay overs. Duffy ended up conceding 42 runs from three overs.
Amir’s strange assessment while lauding India batters
Amir also lauded India's batting lineup. He feels that the team has busted the myth that fast bowlers win tournaments.
“I have to give credit to India. They have busted the myth of fast bowlers winning you tournaments. Even the batters can do that. They have proven that. In the semi-final and final, on flat tracks, they got more than 250,” said the 33-year-old.
However, it was Jasprit Bumrah who finished as the highest wicket-taker alongside Varun Chakravarthy. Bumrah claimed a four-wicket haul in the final and won the 'Player of the match' award. He bagged 14 wickets at an average of 12.42. His economy rate was just 6.21 runs per over. No other bowler with five or more wickets in the tournament has a better economy rate. Also, Bumrah proved to be the difference in the high-scoring semifinal against England.