Pakistan made history on Sunday during their high-intensity T20 World Cup 2026 match against arch-rivals India at R Premadasa Stadium. The team used six different spinners in a single innings, a record for any team in a men’s T20 World Cup match.
The spinners used were Mohammad Nawaz, Saim Ayub, Shadab Khan, Abrar Ahmed, Usman Tariq, and captain Salman Ali Agha. This spin-heavy strategy accounted for 18 overs of bowling. Pakistan conceded 142 runs but managed to take five wickets.
Saim Ayub led the spin attack with figures of 3 for 25 in four overs. Mystery spinner Usman Tariq and captain Salman Ali Agha each claimed one wicket. However, Abrar Ahmed and Shadab Khan struggled, giving away 38 runs in three overs and 17 runs in a single over, respectively.
Despite the spin strategy, India posted a strong total of 175 for 5 in 20 overs. Opener Ishan Kishan anchored India’s innings after Abhishek Sharma fell for a duck in the first over. Kishan scored a blazing 77 off 40 balls, hitting 10 fours and three sixes.
India captain Suryakumar Yadav contributed 32 off 29 deliveries, while Tilak Varma added 25 and Shivam Dube scored 27. Their performances helped India set a competitive total on a slow, turning pitch.
Pakistan’s use of six spinners is now the most by any team in a men’s T20 World Cup innings. The effort shows the team’s adaptability in spin-friendly conditions.
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Fans and analysts will closely watch Pakistan’s strategy in the upcoming T20 World Cup 2026 matches, especially on pitches that favor spin bowling. This record could influence other teams to rethink their bowling combinations in similar conditions.
