Asia Cup 2025: 'Spin-heavy Pakistan bowling attack might trouble India' - Former cricketer previews marquee clash

Published - 13 Sept 2025, 19:06 IST | Updated - 13 Sept 2025, 19:20 IST

The cricket fraternity is set to witness a new chapter being written in the iconic India-Pakistan rivalry. Both teams will collide in match No. 6 of the Asia Cup at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Sunday, September 14.

Former India cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar believes that the abundance of spinners in the Pakistan lineup could cause problems for Suryakumar Yadav and Co. Manjrekar noted that Pakistan have usually been known for their fearsome pace-bowling attack, but this time, the Men in Green will look to dominate with their spinners.

“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.

Manjrekar lauded Pakistan head coach Mike Hesson for making best use of the resources available to him. The cricketer-turned-commentator also mentioned how opening batter Saim Ayub has bowled more often after Hesson's appointment.

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 opined.

Manjrekar pointed out how Pakistan stifled the Oman batters by bowling a lot of overs of spin early in the innings.

“Can you imagine the first six or eight overs? Just two overs of pace, and the rest were all spin. Incredible,” he said.

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Pakistan are expected to go in with the spin troika of Abrar Ahmed, Mohammad Nawaz, and Sufiyan Muqeem. Saim Ayub could open the bowling once again like he did against Oman. Skipper Salman Ali Agha is also a handy off-spinner, who could be effective against the left-handers in the Indian team like Abhishek Sharma and Shivam Dube.