Pakistan fast bowler Mohammad Amir welcomed career-best figures, as the Khulna Tigers beat the Rajshahi Royals by 27 runs in the Bangladesh Premier League earlier this week.
The result secured the Tigers a berth in the 2019-20 BPL final, which will be played at the Shere Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur, Dhaka, on Friday. Their opposition will be confirmed later this week. Unibet have the Khulna Tigers priced at 1.85 to win the BPL.
Amir's haul of six for 17 included the key dismissals of Pakistan team-mate Shoaib Malik and West Indian all-rounder Andre Russell.
What Amir said
“When you are bowling under lights, you have to look for swing. I think I was hitting the right areas. I knew their openers were in good touch, so I thought if I could get both of them, we would have a good chance. It worked out. I think there was something for the bowlers, if you hit the right areas,” said Amir.
“The wicket was giving you something. I wasn't trying too much, but just trying to hit the right areas. It always feels good. They give you confidence and you take momentum to the next game. It is good for me and the team. We have reached the final. I will try to keep this momentum in the final.”
The 27-year-old Amir retired from Test cricket last year. His decade-long Test career missed five years due to a suspension for spot-fixing. He is still available to Pakistan's limited-overs squad – and is in contention for a berth at the T20 World Cup in Australia later this year.
“It has been an honour to represent Pakistan in the pinnacle and traditional format of the game, but I have decided to move away from the longer version so I can concentrate on white-ball cricket,” he said at the time.
“Playing for Pakistan remains my ultimate desire and objective, and I will try my best to be in the best physical shape to contribute in the team's upcoming challenges, including the 2020 T20 World Cup.
“With the World Test Championship commencing shortly, and Pakistan boasting some very exciting young fast bowlers, it is appropriate that I call time in Test cricket so that the selectors can plan accordingly.”
