Ex-Sri Lanka spinner picks these Pakistani bowlers as key threat to India in upcoming clash: 'They have good control...'

Former Sri Lankan spinner Ajantha Mendis has backed Pakistan’s Abrar Ahmed and Saim Ayub to challenge the world-class Indian batting lineup when the two arch-rivals face off in their T20 World Cup Group A clash in Colombo on Sunday.

T20 World Cup 2026: News | Schedule | Results | Points Table

The blockbuster face-off between India and Pakistan is set to take place after a period of uncertainty, with the Mohsin Naqvi-led Pakistan Cricket Board making a U-turn on its plans of boycotting the match following a recent meeting with the International Cricket Council in Lahore.

And given the nature of surfaces in Sri Lanka, where the wickets tend to be on the slower side and produces more grip and turn compared to those in India, the spotlight will be shining brightly on the spin departments of the two teams.

More from First Cricket

India vs Zimbabwe LIVE Score, T20 World Cup 2026: Abhishek, Kishan take over at Chepauk after Samson's cameo What is the US-imported chemical reportedly being used to prevent dew during India's do-or-die clash at Chepauk?

In Pakistan’s case, they boast of variety in their spin department with a left-arm spinner in Mohammad Nawaz, an off-spinner in Usman Tariq and two leg-spin options in Shadab Khan and Abrar Ahmed. Nawaz and Shadab’s handy skills with the bat as well as opener Saim Ayub’s rapid development as an all-rounder with his ability to turn the ball in either direction further adds flexibility to the Pakistani XI.

Mendis backs Abrar and Saim to shine at Premadasa against India

And according to former mystery spinner Mendis, who had famously bowled Sri Lanka to a thumping victory over India in the final of the 2008 Asia Cup, Abrar and Saim will be the ones to keep an eye on, particularly for their ability to bowl the carrom ball.

“The carrom ball, particularly when bowled with back-spin, where the revs go back, will ensure the ball skids on here. And both Abrar and Saim are similar in this aspect. They rely on back spin. So naturally they will get good help at Premadasa,” Mendis told The Indian Express.

Quick Reads

View All

India-Pakistan match: Deep passion, visa-free travel drives Colombo airfare spike

'Won't require surgery...': Real reason behind Jasprit Bumrah's absence from 5th Test revealed in new report

The 40-year-old adds that this variation should become even more lethal should the Premadasa wicket remain dry for Sunday’s clash, though that will depend greatly on the weather with Colombo expected to receive a substantial amount of rainfall this weekend.

“When the pitch is dry, the full effect comes into play. You can get the ball to skid on, which opens up two options to take wickets—bowled and LBW. Even a slight variation is enough because in T20s, batsmen commit quickly to their shots. You can’t make late adjustments to a carrom ball unless you pick it.

“From whatever I’ve seen, they have good control over their variations. In T20s, it’s vital to have variations because you keep the batsman guessing. If you bowl six carrom balls an over, batsmen get used to it. It’s the delivery you should use to surprise batsmen—very few can read the pace off it,” he added.

Also Read | Varun Chakaravarthy hints at new delivery for India-Pakistan clash after match-winning spell vs Namibia

As for the Indian team, the focus will be on Varun Chakaravarthy, who had starred in the Men in Blue’s thumping 93-run victory over Namibia on Thursday with a haul of 3/7 and is expected to play a key role for captain Suryakumar Yadav on Sunday.

Left-arm finger spinner Axar Patel has played both games along with Varun, while Surya and  Co could explore the possibility of adding a third spin option to their XI for the upcoming clash, possibly by replacing Rinku Singh with Washington Sundar.