Former India cricketer Harbhajan Singh warned that the Suryakumar Yadav-led team would have to play spinner Usman Tariq well and believes that the hosts would "play without any pressure and wave the flag of victory" in their high-voltage clash against Pakistan in Colombo.
After Pakistan's drama to boycott the T20 World Cup clash, the arch-rivals' clash is finally on, and they will face each other in their third group-stage clash of the marquee event. This will be their first outing against each other after the Asia Cup 2025 final, where the Men in Blue defeated them thrice, including the final.
"India will win the match. Pakistan has a spinner (Usman Tariq), he is a good spinner, we have to play him safely. The Indian team is capable; it is a very good team. We hope they play the way they have always played, play without any pressure and wave the flag of victory" said Harbhajan Singh.
Usman Tariq's current form
Usman is in the purple patch of his career, picking up 11 wickets in just four T20Is at an impressive average of 7.90, including a four-wicket haul. However, he has also come under scrutiny because of his unusual sidearm bowling action. He pauses briefly before releasing the ball, which has raised questions about whether his action is legal. Some critics believe he may be chucking, while others feel he is almost throwing the ball, sparking a wider debate.
Will Abhishek Sharma feature against Pakistan?
India's destructive opener Abhishek Sharma has missed the team's last T20 World Cup 2026 clash against Namibia as he was on the road to recovery from a stomach bug. There are threat looming over his participation in the Pakistan clash as well because the management will take a final call on his participation, which also depends on his recovery.
Sports Tak understands that the management will monitor Abhishek's fitness during India's net session in Colombo on Saturday.