Shoaib Malik became the second Pakistan player to leap to the defence of team-mate Mohammad Amir, claiming it’s only a matter of time before he starts firing again.

Amir has found himself in the spotlight for the wrong reasons after going wicketless in his three outings so far in the Asia Cup. His poor form even saw him dropped in the three-wicket victory against Afghanistan on Friday before being recalled in Sunday’s nine-wicket defeat to India.

His failures with the white ball are no surprise considering he has only picked up three wickets in 10 matches since the 2017 Champions Trophy final victory.

Pakistan skipper Sarfraz Ahmed was forced to defend the 26-year-old left-hander already last week and Malik did the same ahead of their Super Four clash against Bangladesh.

“In my opinion, I think he is lacking in confidence and everyone is backing him,” the 36-year-old batsman said on Tuesday. “Everyone knows he is a world-class bowler and has done so well for our country. Inshallah, he will continue to do well again. It is just that he is lacking in confidence and everyone is talking to him. That phase comes in and is normal. I am sure he will get solutions.”