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. Saim Ayub and Sufiyan Muqeem each picked up two wickets as Omani batters struggled against the turning conditions.
With India up next, Manjrekar believes this unconventional bowling approach could present a fresh challenge for the Men in Blue.
“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.”
He added, “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.”
Manjrekar also marvelled at the dominance of spin in the first part of Pakistan’s innings against Oman. “Can you imagine the first six or eight overs? Just two overs of pace, and the rest were all spin. Incredible,” he said.
