In Colombo, captain Salman Ali Agha expressed his support for Usman Tariq's unconventional bowling technique, referring to the 'pause and sling' off-spinner as Pakistan's secret weapon in their upcoming T20 World Cup match against India on a challenging Premadasa pitch.

Tariq recently showcased his skills by taking three wickets against the USA at the nearby Sinhalese Sports Club, and Agha believes he could be even more effective on the slower RPICS surface.

During a pre-match press conference, Agha attempted to downplay the media's excitement surrounding Tariq, stating, "Usman is just one of our 15 players, and he has been performing exceptionally well."

However, he later acknowledged that Tariq is indeed a crucial asset for the team, especially against a powerful Indian batting lineup.

"He has consistently bowled well in recent months and performed admirably in the Pakistan Super League before joining the national team. You could say he is a trump card for us," Agha remarked.

Despite concerns about Tariq's unusual bowling action, Agha dismissed the criticism, emphasizing that Tariq remains unfazed by such comments.

"He has been cleared twice and follows all ICC regulations for international cricket. He is mature enough to handle any scrutiny," Agha stated.

Agha also highlighted that Pakistan's bowling attack is not solely reliant on Tariq, noting the importance of fast bowlers as well.

"While spinners may play a significant role, fast bowling is a skill that should never be underestimated," he added.

He specifically mentioned Shaheen Shah Afridi's potential impact due to his diverse bowling skills.

"Shaheen's role is always vital, and we have a strong lineup of both spinners and fast bowlers to utilize as needed," Agha explained.

Acknowledging Pakistan's historical struggles against India in ICC tournaments, Agha chose not to dwell on past defeats.

"We recognize our record in World Cups isn't great, but every match is a new opportunity. We learn from history and aim to perform well tomorrow," he said.

Agha also addressed the previous boycott initiated by the Pakistan government in solidarity with Bangladesh, stating that it is now behind them.

"We are fully prepared for this significant match. The magnitude of this game has always been immense, and we are ready for whatever comes our way," he remarked.

He emphasized that the team is not focusing on any specific Indian player, as they have strategies in place for all opponents.

"We don't single out players; we prepare to face the entire team. Our bowling coach has been working on death bowling techniques for months, not just for this match, but as part of our regular practice routine," Agha concluded.