COLOMBO: Pakistan’s emerging spin sensation Usman Tariq has thrown down the gauntlet ahead of the much-anticipated World Cup T20 clash against India, declaring that the real pressure on February 15 at the R. Premadasa Stadium will be on the Indian batsmen.
Fresh from a dazzling debut performance against the USA at the SSC Ground on Tuesday, where he played a pivotal role in Pakistan’s convincing victory, Usman exuded confidence and composure beyond his years. The young spinner not only impressed with his control and variation but also displayed the temperament required for cricket’s biggest stage.
When an Indian journalist suggested that his bowling might be a surprise weapon on Sunday and asked whether he felt any pressure heading into the high-voltage encounter, Usman responded with bold assurance.
“I think the pressure will be on the Indians as to how to cope with my bowling,” he said with a calm smile. “I am sure they must be feeling the heat and looking for ways and means to outsmart me.”
The statement underlines the belief running through the Pakistan camp ahead of one of cricket’s fiercest rivalries. Usman made it clear that he is not merely relying on mystery but has carefully crafted plans to counter India’s aggressive batting approach.
“Look, I know they try to come hard at you. Indian batsmen will be looking to attack from the outset. But I have chalked out a plan on how to make the best use of my bowling against them. I have more than one trick up my sleeve,” he revealed. “If given the opportunity on Sunday, I know exactly how to bowl against them.”
Against the USA, Usman showcased his tactical maturity on what he described as a batting-friendly surface. The SSC pitch, traditionally known to assist spinners in Sri Lanka, offered little turn this time around. Yet, the young spinner adapted swiftly.
“It was never really a supporting track for spinners. It was more of a batting-friendly surface, offering little to the bowlers,” he admitted. “So I kept changing my line, length and trajectory. Variation was the key, and it worked well for me.” His disciplined approach paid rich dividends as he finished with three crucial wickets, breaking partnerships and tightening the screws when the opposition looked to rebuild.
Usman was quick to credit Pakistan’s batsmen for setting up the win with a competitive total that allowed the bowlers room to experiment. “When you have runs on the board, you can afford to try different things. You can bring in variety and attack with confidence. That actually helped me a lot,” he said. With confidence soaring after a dream debut and the India showdown just days away, Usman Tariq appears ready for cricket’s ultimate pressure test. If his words are any indication, Pakistan may have unearthed a fearless match-winner eager to script his own chapter in the storied rivalry between the two nations.
