‘One game doesn’t define them’: Usman Tariq backs Babar, Shaheen, says Pakistan will bounce back vs Namibia

The Pakistan bowler Usman Tariq, widely known for his distinctive “pause-and-sling” action, addressed the media in a pre-match press conference on Tuesday, reflecting on Pakistan’s 61-run defeat to India in their highly anticipated T20 World Cup clash.

Tariq said the team had learned from their mistakes and expressed confidence that Pakistan would “put up a better show” the next time they face their archrivals.

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“Lifting the team is only difficult when you don’t work on your mistakes committed in the last game. We have worked on our mistakes, so I think it will not be a tough task,” he told reporters.

Addressing criticism that the team crumbled under pressure, Tariq dismissed the notion.

“Feeling pressure is normal. Controlling pressure is part of the job, and we have worked on that. But right now, there is no pressure. I didn’t feel that the team was under pressure,” he said, adding that Pakistan’s goal remains to reach the final and win the tournament.

Earlier, reports emerged around the likely drop of senior players Babar Azam and Shaheen Afridi from the lineup. Clearing the air, Tariq responded about their availability for the Namibia clash.

“There’s no doubt that Shaheen and Babar have won many matches for Pakistan,” he said. “One game doesn’t define their capability or caliber. If something like this happens, they know how to recover because they are the senior players,” he said.

Before the India match, Tariq had been the talk of the cricket world for his unusual bowling action, which involves a deliberate pause in his delivery stride to disrupt batters’ timing. International players, including Cameron Green and Suryakumar Yadav, were seen mimicking and practicing against the action in anticipation of facing him.

Despite Pakistan’s loss, Tariq was among their best performers, finishing with figures of 1/24 in four overs. He claimed the key wicket of Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav, who was caught at deep mid-wicket for 32 off 29 balls after mistiming a flatter delivery in the 19th over.

However, Pakistan struggled collectively, conceding 175/7 on a tacky pitch before being bowled out for 114 in 18 overs. The defeat has left Pakistan in a must-win situation against Namibia, with another loss potentially ending their Super 8 hopes.

While his action has drawn scrutiny, Tariq clarified that it is currently legal under ICC rules. He has been reported for a suspect action twice in the Pakistan Super League (2024 and 2025) but was cleared by biomechanical testing on both occasions.