Argus News - ICC T20 World Cup: Eyes on India’s Strategy to Counter Usman Tariq as Colombo Set for Cricket’s Ultimate Battle

Bhubaneswar, Feb 14: After a lot of drama, courtesy Pakistan, Colombo is all set to host the most electrifying contest in the game of cricket — India vs Pakistan — on Sunday. The stands at the R Premadasa Stadium will split into the waves of blue and green — the colours of the teams’ jerseys. The venue will come alive echoing the voices of cheers and jeers.

 

The anticipations, predictions, discussions, and debates about the most awaited encounter are already gaining pace — be it team combinations, be it players to watch out for, or their strategies to nullify one another.

 

When the gates of this iconic ground will be opened on Sunday evening, they won’t simply welcome thousands of spectators. They will absorb the nerves, hopes and a rivalry that stretches far beyond the boundary rope. Families back home will rearrange dinner plans. Friends will sit on opposite sides of sofas. For a few hours, the world will shrink to 22 yards.

 

Head-to-Head

 

The arch-rivals have faced off eight times at the T20 World Cups since its inception in 2007. And who would forget the bowl-out at Durban, or the catch — trembling palms of S Sreesanth grabbing the airborne ball at the fine-leg close to the 30-yard circle to not only dismiss Misbah-ul-Haq, but to dash the Pakistani hopes of a crown — followed by a jubilant celebrations of over a billion Indians.

 

It was just a beginning. About the stats — it’s favouring India, who lead the head-to-heads 7-1. The only defeat India suffered at the T20 showpiece came in 2021 — a 10 wicket humiliation at Dubai.

 

Since that heartbreak, the world had witnessed a couple of classics in next two editions in 2022 and 2024. In 2022, Melbourne recorded yet another masterclass of finishing by none other than Pakistan’s nemesis — Virat Kohli. And his six off Haris Rauf over the latter’s head in the 19th over is still fresh in every cricket fan’s mind.

 

Then in 2024, it was a Jasprit Bumrah special. They say you should never celebrate too early. But Pakistan ignored that wisdom, rejoicing after India were bowled out for just 119 in the first innings.  However, Indians stayed calm and composed. By the time the scoreboard read ‘Pakistan 113/7’ and ‘India won by six runs,’ the stunned faces of Pakistani supporters told the story, proving those words true. And it was Bumrah, whose spell of 3/14 in 4 overs crushed Pakistani dreams.

 

Come 2026, there was a lot of drama from Pakistan before they finally made a U-Turn, which they usually do. Find the details HERE.

 

The Usman Tariq Talks

 

Talks over the unusual bowling action of Pakistani spinner Usman Tariq has headlined for past few weeks. His hypermobile elbow prevents him from fully straightening his arm. In addition, the pause in his delivery stride has split opinion. While former England captain Kevin Pietersen as well as Australian team have questioned its legality, India legend Sunil Gavaskar and former spinner R Ashwin have stated that there is nothing illegal about the action.

 

“From what I saw at the recent practice session, the Pakistani batters had no problems playing him, so I don’t see the Indian batters having too many problems playing him,” said Gavaskar.

 

Ashwin had a counter tactic for such bowlers. “If Tariq pauses before delivery, the batter has the right to move away. The batter can say, ‘I don’t know when the ball is coming, so I moved away’,” said the off-spinner. “That will be an interesting case and a huge headache for the umpire,” he added. “The umpire will have to decide whether to warn the bowler or the batter. Odds are, and that is how cricket has worked, the bowler will be warned first.”

 

Ashwin believes a batter simply stepping away could mess with Tariq’s mind, piling pressure on the spinner and forcing him to rethink his rhythm in the middle of the biggest game of the group stage. “Imagine, this is such a big game. And Tariq has been the cynosure. He has to bowl 24 deliveries like that,” Ashwin said. “If the batter starts withdrawing, imagine the pressure on Tariq. He might have to alter his action in the middle of the game. Pakistan's trump card might turn out to be nothing.”

 

Ashwin suggested that even a simple tactic — like a batter stepping away — could unsettle Tariq, piling pressure on the spinner during the biggest game of the group stage. He noted that Tariq, who has been the centre of attention, would need to deliver 24 precise balls under immense scrutiny. If batters began withdrawing, the mounting tension could force him to rethink his rhythm or even alter his action mid-match. In such a scenario, Pakistan’s trump card might lose its edge entirely.

Points of Discussion

 

On paper, India may appear steadier. Their depth in T20 cricket and recent consistency have impressed neutral observers. Even fans believe that India’s balance gives them a slight edge over their arch-rivals.

 

Though Abhishek Sharma’s inclusion remains uncertain, India still boasts match-winners — Ishan Kishan, Tilak Varma, Suryakumar Yadav, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, or even Rinku Singh — who can turn the tide at any moment.

 

Yet anyone who has followed this rivalry knows logic rarely survives the first over. In India-Pakistan clashes, reputations dissolve quickly. One mistimed shot, one searing yorker, one catch taken under swirling pressure and heroes are born.

 

Weather report

 

The weather is expected to be warm and humid in Colombo, with temperatures hovering in the high 20s. However, there is a possibility of passing showers.

 

Last time at R Premadasa Stadium

 

The last time these two sides played a match at the venue was in September 2023 — an ODI of Asia Cup. India crushed the Men in Green by a massive 228-run margin in the match, which was played across two days due to rain interruptions.

 

Their previous T20I meeting at the venue dates back to 2012 — at the T20 World Cup. India had clinched a commanding 8-wicket victory.

 

The last time these two sides took the field together was in 2025 Asia Cup final, when the Men in Blue had tasted glory, thanks to Tilak Varma’s heroics.

 

Conclusion

 

This is not just a contest, it’s a battle — battle of nerve, battle of intent, battle of pride. Everyone must have logics, but such high-octane contests are way beyond logics. One might argue over stats or records, or numbers, but on the field, it’s about performance and a touch of luck. Because, the saying goes — some days belong to you, some don’t.