Salman Ali Agha said his side is eager to face a full-strength Indian lineup in the much-anticipated encounter at R. Premadasa Stadium, stressing that competing against the strongest possible opposition is the best way to measure Pakistan’s true performance level and readiness for high-pressure matches.
Speaking at the pre-match press conference, the captain singled out Abhishek Sharma as a major threat, describing him as a quality player whose presence would make the contest more competitive. He added that Pakistan always prefer to challenge the best available lineup rather than face weakened sides.
The Indian opener missed his team’s previous match due to illness, yet India still secured a dominant win over Namibia, demonstrating their depth and balance. His potential return, however, has become one of the main talking points ahead of the high-stakes showdown between the traditional rivals.
Addressing another topic, Agha firmly rejected speculation about the bowling action of spinner Usman Tariq. He emphasized that the player has already been cleared twice by officials, adding that continued discussion is unnecessary and does not affect the spinner’s confidence or preparation for matches.
The captain highlighted Pakistan’s squad strength, saying every member of the fifteen-player roster is prepared to step in when needed. He noted that final team selection will depend on pitch conditions and match strategy, underlining the importance of flexibility, adaptability, and collective responsibility within the squad.
When asked about expectations and pressure, Agha remained calm regarding the form of Babar Azam, stating the team is focused solely on executing its own plans. He admitted past results against India have not always been favorable but insisted Pakistan have learned from history and are determined to improve their record.
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