Pakistan’s latest pace sensation Salman Mirza has vowed to take the fight to India’s explosive top order in the upcoming Asia Cup, declaring that he and his teammates are ready for the pressure of facing their fiercest rival.
The rivalry will carry extra edge following the recent military tensions between the two neighbours after a terrorist attack in Pahalgam, on the Indian side of Kashmir, earlier in May.
The cricketing clash is expected to be one of the most-watched events of the year.
Mirza in an exclusive interview with Telecom Asia Sport said:
"I’ll target India’s fiery top order.
Mirza, who burst onto the scene with Lahore Qalandars in the Pakistan Super League, says he relishes the chance to bowl against India’s batting stars."
"A lot of us will be playing against India for the first time, and we know it’s a pressure game – but that’s where you learn and grow. I know they have a very aggressive and fiery top order.
"As a fast bowler, that’s exactly where I’ll focus. We are confident we can do well against India."
The reigning world T20I champions, India, enter the Asia Cup as favourites. Led by Suryakumar Yadav, the eight-time winners boast an aggressive batting line-up and a potent spin attack – a combination well-suited to the slow, turning surfaces of the UAE.
Mirza, however, was quick to stress that Pakistan’s focus cannot be solely on their arch-rivals.
"India's matches grab all the attention, but Afghanistan, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh are also strong teams. Our focus will be on every opponent, not just India."
The 31-year-old pacer impressed on his debut T20I series in May, claiming seven wickets in Pakistan’s 2-1 defeat in Bangladesh. His nippy action and skiddy pace drew praise, though he was rested for the subsequent series in the USA against the West Indies.
Now recalled, Mirza will feature in a Sharjah tri-series against Afghanistan and hosts UAE. “It’s the perfect preparation before the Asia Cup,” he said. “Both Afghanistan and UAE know these conditions very well, so it will be highly competitive.”
Mirza also hailed Pakistan’s T20I captain, Salman Agha, for his calm and calculated approach.
"Salman is new to the job, but he’s wise and cool-headed. He doesn’t burden players with pressure during the match and resolves issues afterwards. These are his first two major tournaments, but he has a clear plan, and I’m sure he’ll succeed."
The young quick is especially excited to join forces again with Pakistan’s pace spearheads. “Bowling with Shaheen Shah Afridi and Haris Rauf is always special. I’ve done it with Lahore Qalandars in the PSL, and they’re very supportive. This will be another great chance to learn from them.”
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