Mohammad Amir: Pakistan's tainted pacer will hope to win hearts against NZ in T20s

New Delhi: Pakistani left-arm pacer Mohammad Amir will be eager to give his best in the first T20 game against New Zealand starting on January 15.

The tainted pacer made a return to the national scenario after being included in the side's limited overs series squad against New Zealand.

Amir can propel Pakistan's pace bowling. Amir who was compared to Wasim Akram five years back when he was a teenager, can add some much needed vitality in Pakistan's bowling attack.

Pitches in New Zealand that caters to fast bowling and swing could see a rejuvenated Amir getting his acts right and deliver the goods.

The main sight of attraction for Amir will be to win hearts of fellow players and especially the fans in Pakistan.

It is likely that Amir will be a part of the Pakistan starting XI against New Zealand on January 15 in Auckland.

Recently national coach Waqar Younis and T20 skipper Shahid Afridi batted for Amir. The duo stated that the 23-year-old pacer was ready for the cricket series.

Pakistan will hope Amir will deliver in his return to the side alongside pacers Wahab Riaz and Umar Gul.

New Zealand have been in supreme form in T20s and their dominance was witnessed in the series against Sri Lanka. Amir's battle against Martin Guptill will be a fascinating moment.

Pakistan play New Zealand in three T20s before locking horns for a five-match ODI series, A good outing in the T20 series will give Amir confidence ahead of the ODIs and especially the upcoming 2016 ICC T20 World Cup.

Earlier, Amir, who served a five-year ban and jail time for indulging in spot-fixing during the 2010 tour of England, was expected to make the squad after being brought back into the national camp despite some resentment by fellow players.