Pakistan’s spin-heavy attack was a notable difference in their opening game of the Asia Cup 2025 tournament earlier this week and Sanjay Manjrekar feels Salman Agha’s men can threaten India on Sunday with their unusual bowling composition.
Pakistan secured a 93-run victory over Oman, thanks to a superb display from their four specialist spinners. The spin quartet, which included Saim Ayub and Sufiyan Muqeem, who each took two wickets, proved too much for the Omani batters on the turning pitch. Although captain Salman Agha was an additional spin bowling option, he wasn’t needed as the primary spinners controlled the match. Known for the evergreen pace flavour, Pakistan have opted to suit themselves to the conditions with a spin-heavy attack, much like how India rolled in their opening match against UAE.
Former India batter Manjrekar felt that the uncommon Pakistan make-up could just about needle India in Dubai on Sunday evening. “I like this bowling combination because it’s India vs Pakistan, and I feel this attack might give the Indian batters something different to think about,” Manjrekar said on Sony Sports Network.
“They’ve played Pakistan in world events before, but usually against a certain kind of attack. This is completely different — hardly any pace on show — and maybe Wasim [Akram] would hate it.”
“Batting will need a little improvement against India, but credit to Mike Hesson for making the most of the resources he has. Saim Ayub has hardly bowled for Pakistan in the past, but under Hesson, he’s bowled in almost 90% of the innings. This shows a new approach, and that’s exciting because it’s refreshing to see Pakistan try something different,” remarked Manjrekar.
“Can you imagine the first six or eight overs? Just two overs of pace, and the rest were all spin. Incredible,” Manjrekar said in astonishment of the way Pakistan employed spin throughout the Powerplay against Oman.
With Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakaravarthy and Axar Patel, India project a similar threat to Pakistan. But will the Men in Blue batters be tested by Pakistan’s drift to spin?
