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'Wasim Akram would hate it' - Sanjay Manjrekar on India batters facing spin-heavy Pakistan bowling in Asia Cup clash

Divy Dubey

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'Wasim Akram would hate it' - Sanjay Manjrekar on India batters facing spin-heavy Pakistan bowling in Asia Cup clash image

India and Pakistan are set to meet in the Asia Cup 2025 with the match in the UAE on September 14 shaping into one of the tournament's biggest contests. While India have started strongly - cruising past the hosts UAE in their opener, Pakistan arrive with a very different bowling plan than usual.

Long known for unleashing fearsome fast bowlers, they have gone in with a spin-heavy attack this time - a move that has already drawn attention and sparked plenty of discussion.

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Sanjay Manjrekar on Pakistan's spin strategy vs India

Former India cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar - speaking on Sony Sports Network, said Pakistan's new-look bowling unit could pose a tricky test for India's batting line-up.

He said that while India are used to facing Pakistan's pace-dominated attacks in global tournaments, this version of the rivalry will look very different.

"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. They have 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," said Manjrekar.

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Pakistan's spinners dominate opening win against Oman

Head coach Mike Hesson has leaned heavily on spinners - using four in the match against Oman. Captain Salman Ali Agha provided another option, though he didn't bowl.

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The strategy worked with Pakistan sealing a 93-run win. Saim Ayub and Sufiyan Muqeem took two wickets each as Oman struggled against the turn.

Manjrekar pointed out that Hesson has even turned part-timers into regular options with Ayub bowling in nearly every innings despite not being used much in the past. He called it a refreshing shift - one that could unsettle India.

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India's challenge against Pakistan's new bowling plan

Pakistan's spin-heavy attack means India's top order will face a very different kind of pressure compared to previous encounters. With conditions in the UAE favouring turn, India's ability to adapt quickly will be critical.

The fixture - one of cricket's most watched, is expected to test both strategy and temperament when bat meets spin on Sunday.

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