KARACHI: Former Pakistan Test cricketer Tauseef Ahmed has said that today’s Asia Cup T20 match against India in Dubai is crucial for both sides, especially for Pakistan, who have been working hard in recent months to build a new squad after leaving out some senior players.
Speaking to The News on Saturday, Tauseef said that while Pakistan have been performing well in recent matches, facing India is always different. “It’s not just about winning or losing.
Matches against India demand mental strength and a lion’s heart to handle all kinds of pressure,” he said.
Tauseef stressed the importance of the first six overs. “Both teams will target the opening six overs, so Pakistan must plan carefully for both batting and bowling.
The start of the game sets the tone for the entire match,” he noted.
He pointed out that Indian batters Abhishek Sharma and Shubman Gill are dangerous from the outset.
“Pakistan must contain them early, otherwise they can take the game away,” he said.
Tauseef added that if India win the toss, they may prefer to field and chase due to the dew factor.
He also described the Dubai pitch as slow, with long boundaries, which the Pakistan team management must keep in mind.
Commenting on Pakistan’s batting, he expressed concern that the team could not score 200-plus against Oman. “This shows our batting line-up is still struggling,” he said. He urged Saim Ayub to bat with responsibility in the powerplay, as his performance is vital in setting up the game.
Acknowledging India’s strength, Tauseef said they too would be under pressure. “If India lose to Pakistan, it will dent their confidence for the rest of the tournament,” he remarked.
He added that Pakistan’s team has gained valuable experience from recent T20 series against Bangladesh and the West Indies, as well as a tri-nation series in the UAE. “The team has built a strong combination. Now, let’s see how they handle India in UAE conditions,” he said.