World Cup T20: Salman Ali Agha press conference ahead of India vs Pakistan
1) Sahibzada Farhan vs Jasprit Bumrah
When they last faced each other in a T20I, Sahibzada Farhan hit Jasprit Bumrah for two sixes in one over, becoming one of the few international batsmen to do so. Farhan later featured in a promotional documentary about this footage in Dubai.Against Namibia, Bumrah failed in the power play. How India will use him against Pakistan remains to be seen. In three matches, Farhan faced 34 balls from Bumrah and scored 51 runs without being dismissed.
2) Babar Azam vs Kuldeep Yadav
Kuldeep Yadav did not play Babar Azam in T20Is. However, in the ODIs, Kuldeep dismissed Babar twice in three matches, with Babar scoring 28 runs off 52 balls in those matches.Kuldeep also performed well against Pakistan in the Asia Cup T20 matches, taking eight wickets in three matches, including four in the final, even though Babar did not play in those matches. For this contest to happen, India would have to include Kuldeep in the playing XI.
3) Hardik Pandya vs Usman Tariq
Hardik Pandya could be the key batsman against Usman Tariq. If Tariq falls from 7 to 16 in the middle overs, this battle may unfold.Tariq’s pause in the bend can disrupt the batter’s timing. However, Pandya relies on his back stroke and balance to generate bat speed even if he lifts the ball late. He does not have a significant trigger movement and usually reacts after the ball is released.
4) Ishan Kishan vs Shaheen Shah Afridi
Ishan Kishan has been among the runs and could look to attack Shaheen Shah Afridi, especially if the left-arm paceman directs the ball from the left-hander. It will be important to see if Shaheen uses the short ball against Kishan and how the batsman responds.
5) Shivam Dube vs Abrar Ahmed, Shadab Ahmed
Shivam Dube has strong numbers against spin, including wrist spin. He has scored more than 193 against slow bowlers in T20 matches in 2025. He has scored freely against right-arm spinners, including Ish Sodhi in the recent T20I series.Hence, Pakistan’s wrist spinners Abrar Ahmed and Shadab Khan could be tested if Dube settles down.Both India and Pakistan won their first two matches in the tournament.