Colombo

Pakistan skipper Salman Ali Agha on Saturday threw his weight behind off-spinner Usman Tariq, calling him a “trump card” for the high-voltage T20 World Cup clash against India on Sunday.

Speaking ahead of the match at the slow R Premadasa International Cricket Stadium pitch, Agha said Tariq’s much-debated “pause-and-sling” action has already been examined and cleared twice by the International Cricket Council.

“Tariq has been bowling very well for months, including in league cricket before joining the national side. You can say he is a trump card for us,” Agha said, while adding that the spinner remains unfazed by scrutiny over his action. “He has done everything the ICC asked of him.”

The 27-year-old impressed with a three-wicket haul against the United States of America, and Agha believes he could be even more effective on a slower surface.

At the same time, the captain stressed that Pakistan’s bowling plans extend beyond Tariq. He backed the pace unit, particularly Shaheen Shah Afridi, to make an impact with variations despite conditions favouring spin.

Agha acknowledged Pakistan’s poor World Cup record against India but said the team is focused on the present. “It’s a new day and a new match. We can’t change history, only learn from it,” he said.

Downplaying external distractions, including past off-field controversies, Agha said the side is fully prepared for the marquee encounter and has plans for all 11 Indian players rather than targeting individuals.

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The much-anticipated clash promises to be another intense chapter in the India-Pakistan rivalry at the ICC Men's T20 World Cup.