In the heart of Colombo’s R Premadasa Stadium, Pakistan off-spinner Usman Tariq lived out every cricketer’s fantasy – locking horns with India in the T20 World Cup. His economical 1/24 spell highlighted Pakistan’s spin-heavy strategy against a star-studded Indian lineup.
Ishan Kishan lit up the slow pitch with a masterful 77 off 40 deliveries, helping India reach 175/7. But Pakistan’s tweakers fought back fiercely, with Sam Ayub’s 3/25 dismantling the middle order after spinning through 18 overs collectively.
Tariq stole the show with his subtle pauses, diverse release points, and clever variations that bamboozled batters in the crucial middle phase. ‘This India-Pakistan battle is huge,’ he told commentators at the innings break. ‘The atmosphere was electric – truly a dream moment for me.’
Mastering the sluggish conditions? Tariq credited his CPL stints: ‘Those leagues taught me how to bowl on slow tracks. I just slowed their batsmen’s rhythm, and we’re safely placed now.’
Looking ahead to the chase, Tariq exuded optimism about Pakistan’s batting prowess. ‘Our lineup’s showing killer intent and momentum. Mentally, we’re rock solid – this target is ours to take.’
With India atop Group A following dominant victories against USA and Namibia, they’re eyeing Super 8 qualification with another win. Pakistan, holding third despite two triumphs, desperately needs points from this blockbuster to climb higher. Expect fireworks as the arch-rivals collide.