In the build up to the Asia Cup Twenty20, Shoaib Akhtar had tipped the Virat Kohli-Mohammad Amir battle to dominate the headlines.

A cracking opening spell and masterful knock on a spicy pitch ensured Akhtar got his wish and now the former Pakistan tearaway has predicted that duels between Kohli and Amir may inject new life into cricket.

Akhtar likened the rivalry to his battles with Indian batting great Sachin Tendulkar.

“It used to be a challenge bowling to Sachin and I think the future battles between Virat and Amir will be as exciting as our on-field rivalry. The two are world class performers and when they are pitted against each other, it can't get better than that,” Akhtar was quoted as saying by Press Trust of India.

Kohli scored a classy 49 off 51 and Amir picked up 3-18 from his four overs as India defeated Pakistan by five wickets after dismissing Shahid Afridi's side for a paltry 83.

“Virat is India's best batsman and Amir's inclusion has made Pakistan s attack far superior. Whenever these two will be up against each other, mazaa aanewala hain (its going to be fun),” Akhtar said.

Tthe 'Rawalpindi Express' said Amir's inclusion had bolstered Pakistan attack and it was time to move on from the spot-fixing saga.

“Let bygones be bygones. It feels good that world s best fast bowler is back where he belongs. It fills my heart with joy to see Amir run in and bowl those brilliant deliveries.”

Amir's performance was the highlight of match on an otherwise sorry day for Pakistan and Akhtar urged the other pacers in the side to step and support the 23-year-old.

“It's just that we need to be a bit more aggressive in our bowling department. Amir would need support from the other end and Wahab needs to step up.”

Akhtar also reserved special praise for Kohli and likened his finishing skills to that of Pakistan legend Javed Miandad.

“Virat Kohli is certainly the best batsman of his era. His match-finishing skills are exemplary. If you ask me whether he could be compared to Javed Miandad, who was also an exceptional finisher, I would say that two eras should not be compared. Yesterday, the manner in which he played Virat showed, why he is in a different league. Also like a true champion, he praised Amir's bowling which was a good thing.”

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman, Shaharyar Khan, echoed Akhtar's words and urged his batsmen to learn from Kohli.

“During the post-match presentation I told Kohli that he had opened our eyes and demonstrated how to bat on tricky pitches,” Khan told reporters outside the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore upon his return from Bangladesh.

Flashback: Kohli's magnificent 183 against Pakistan