Former India cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar has thrown the spotlight on Pakistan’s surprising spin-heavy strategy, calling it a potential stumbling block for India in their Asia Cup 2025 clash on Sunday, September 14, in the UAE. Pakistan, a team historically built on a legacy of fearsome fast bowlers from Imran Khan to Wasim Akram and Shoaib Akhtar, has taken a different route under head coach Mike Hesson.

With UAE conditions offering more grip to spinners and modern T20 cricket demanding new tactical approaches, Pakistan fielded four frontline spinners in their opening match against Oman. Skipper Salman Ali Agha, although an additional spin option, wasn’t required to bowl as the spin quartet proved enough to dismantle Oman in a dominant 93-run victory.

Saim Ayub and Sufiyan Muqeem stood out with two wickets apiece, ensuring Oman’s batters never found momentum. Their success confirmed Hesson’s belief that variety and control, rather than outright pace, could be the key weapon in UAE conditions. Manjrekar believes India, despite their batting firepower, could find this a fresh and tricky challenge.

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Speaking on Sony Sports Network, he said, “I like this combination because it’s India vs Pakistan, and I feel this attack might give the Indian batters something different to think about. They’re used to facing Pakistan’s pace-heavy units in world events, but this one’s unique — hardly any pace on show. Maybe even Wasim Akram wouldn’t enjoy watching this.”

He further praised Hesson’s innovative use of resources. “Saim Ayub has hardly bowled for Pakistan in the past, but under Hesson, he’s bowling almost every game. It’s refreshing to see Pakistan experiment and succeed with a spin-first approach.”

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Manjrekar also highlighted the unusual sight of spin dominating the early overs. “Can you imagine the first six or eight overs? Just two overs of pace, and the rest spin. Incredible.”

As India gear up for their second group-stage challenge, fresh off a commanding nine-wicket win over the UAE, the battle against Pakistan’s revamped spin arsenal promises to add a new twist to one of cricket’s fiercest rivalries.