On his debut itself, the youngster played a pivotal role in Pakistan’s World Twenty20 Cup triumph in England this year. He bowled an intelligent over and dismissed Sri Lanka’s in-form opener Tilakaratne Dilshan for a five-ball duck in the final. Dilshan’s first-over dismissal was one of the turning points in the final. Still, Aamer believes Dilshan is the only batsmen who troubled him so far in his short career. “Dilshan’s performance in Twenty20 World Cup was too good. I think he is the only batsman who troubled me so far,” Aamer told Khaleej Times in an exclusive interview here on Friday.

Pakistan had lost their Twenty20 group match against Sri Lanka by 19 runs at Lord’s, where Dilshan scored 46 but Aamer went wicket-less. Aamer, hailing from Gujar Khan, had the last laugh though, as he took the crucial wicket of Dilshan in the final which Pakistan went on to win by eight wickets.

He is enjoying a good run in the Cool & Cool Cup against New Zealand at the Zayed Cricket Stadium here. In the first one-dayer on Tuesday, Aamer bowled an excellent spell taking 1-15 from his seven overs. He began the second one-day on Friday in good fashion, taking the wicket of Aaron Redmond, who scored a half-century in the opening match.

Asked about the wicket which brought most satisfaction to him in international cricket, Aamer said: “I don’t believe in pointing out a particular wicket as it would put unnecessary pressure on myself. I think if I can take wickets and help the team’s cause, I would be happy. My focus would be on taking wickets for my country.”

His main inspiration is Paksitan great Wasim Akram. “My role model has always been Wasim bhai. He has always been my inspiration.”

Akram picked out Aamer as a special talent at a pace camp held in Lahore two years ago.

He then represented Pakistan Under-19 team in the England tour and became an instant success. He is not unduly perturbed when media used to compare him with Akram.

“There is pressure to perform when you see such comparisons. It increases my responsibility when you have been compared with a legend like Akram. Then you have to increase your focus on the game. If I could also earn a name like him for my performances and help my team win I would be happy.

Asked about his specific targets in his career, Aamer said: “Players like Akram and India’s Sachin Tendulkar have lot of records in their name. When I retire, I would also like to earn a name like them and set records in my name as well.”

Aamer has so far played three Tests, nine one-day internationals and eight Twenty20s in his promising career.

pradeep@khaleejtimes.com