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Former India spinner Harbhajan Singh has praised Pakistan mystery bowler Usman Tariq, saying that the off-spinner could play a crucial role in deciding the outcome of the much-awaited India-Pakistan clash in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.
The high-octane clash between India and Pakistan will be played on Sunday, February 15, at the RPS Stadium, Colombo.
Speaking to the media ahead of the clash, Harbhajan backed India to win but admitted that Tariq could pose a serious threat to the Indian batters.
“India will win the match. Pakistan has a spinner, he is a good spinner, we have to play him safe…,” he said.
“The Indian team is capable; it’s a very good team. We hope they play the way they have always played, play without any pressure and wave the flag of victory,” Harbhajan remarked.
Tariq has been in impressive form in the ongoing tournament, claiming five wickets in two matches so far.
Overall, he has picked up 11 wickets in four T20Is, maintaining an outstanding average of 7.90 and an economy of 5.93.
The spinner has also caught eyebrows due to his unorthodox bowling action, which has troubled most of the batters he has bowled to.
During Australia’s recent T20I series tour of Pakistan, Australian batter Cameron Green was seen making a gesture that many interpreted as questioning Tariq’s action.
This was not the first time Tariq’s bowling has been scrutinised. Tariq was previously reported during PSL 9 and PSL 10, but his action was officially cleared on both occasions.
Addressing the scrutiny last year, Tariq explained that the natural bend in his elbows often creates confusion.
“There are two corners on my elbow that make it hard for me to straighten,” he said in an interview last year.
“I gave two tests at labs in Pakistan, and my action was cleared within a week. I didn’t get told to change anything. I was confident because I knew I was not throwing.”
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