New Delhi. The latest pitch of R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo has once again indicated that the competition here will revolve more around spinners than fast bowlers. Recently, in a match of ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, Zimbabwe surprised Australia (Zimbabwe beat Australia) on the basis of slow balls and precise line length. This result made it clear that whichever team lays the spin trap better will win. Now all eyes are on the high voltage match between India and Pakistan (INDvsPAK) where the mystery spinner can play a decisive role.
The biggest weapon that India has is Varun Chakraborty. He has made tremendous changes in his bowling in the last one year. During the Indian Premier League, he increased his use of overspin along with sidespin, which added extra bounce and confusion to his balls. Varun, who bowls at a speed of about 95 kilometers per hour, has special control over the length. This is the reason why batsmen are neither able to play pull by going on the back foot easily nor are they able to move forward and hit big shots. His balls create doubt in the mind of the batsman and this doubt leads to wickets. Especially for batsmen like Babar Azam who handle the innings in the middle overs, Varun’s variety can become a challenge.
Pakistan also has strong weapons for retaliatory attack. Usman Tariq is already in the news for his unique pose and sling style. His action is somewhat reminiscent of former Sri Lankan legend Lasith Malinga. When the ball leaves the hand, it remains below the batsman’s eye line, which makes it difficult to read. Tariq’s specialty is not only action but also the ability to read the batsman. He forces the batsman to make mistakes through subtle variations in pace and precise use of length.
Some people may underestimate Abrar Ahmed but the statistics show his impact. The 27-year-old leg spinner surprises the batsmen with his googly and carrom ball. The bulk of his T20 International wickets have come from these variations. On a pitch like Premadasa where the ball comes to rest, Abrar’s slow googly and turn can prove to be a trap for the batsmen.
The Colombo track has traditionally favored spinners. The key to success here is not just the turn but the right length. If the ball falls in the right place, the pitch itself gives it an edge and the batsman is either bowled or LBW. In such a situation, the strategy of both India and Pakistan will be to tighten the noose with spin in the middle overs.
In this great match, ball grip and mental play will be more important than the rain of runs. The spinner who handles the pressure better will take the team closer to victory. This time on the rotating surface of Colombo, the real battle will not be of bat and ball but of patience and cleverness.
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