Pakistan players wait for a video review on a potential dismissal for India’s Suryakumar Yadav. Photo: Reuters
Pakistan’s spinners scripted a rare chapter in ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 history on Sunday, deploying an unprecedented six-man spin attack against India in a high-stakes match in Colombo.
After winning the toss and opting to bowl, Pakistan leaned heavily on spin-friendly conditions to unleash a variety of slow-bowling options against their arch-rivals. The strategy saw Mohammad Nawaz, Saim Ayub, Shadab Khan, Abrar Ahmed, Usman Tariq and captain Salman Ali Agha all rolling their arms over.
It marked the first time in T20 World Cup history that a team has used six specialist spin options in a single innings, and equalled the highest number of spinners employed by a full-member nation in men’s T20 Internationals.
Pakistan complemented the spin-heavy attack with pace duo Shaheen Shah Afridi and Faheem Ashraf, although the fast bowlers played a limited role. Shaheen bowled just two overs and conceded 31 runs, while Faheem was not called upon to bowl at all as Pakistan doubled down on their spin-first plan.
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The gamble seemed to have paid off initially, particularly through Saim Ayub, who emerged as Pakistan’s most effective bowler. The right-arm spin bowler claimed three wickets in his four overs, repeatedly unsettling India’s middle order with subtle variations in pace and flight.
Despite resistance from India’s batting line-up, Pakistan’s spinners maintained pressure through the middle overs to restrict India to 175 for seven in their 20 overs.
The use of six spinners underlined Pakistan’s tactical flexibility and willingness to adapt to conditions in a tournament where margins are increasingly fine, especially in high-profile Pakistan vs India encounters that draw global attention.
