Salman Ali Agha: “He is an X-factor, and that’s how we want to use him. If we have a bowler who can create that kind of impact in the middle overs, we are always going to be on the winning side”
Image taken by: Bimal Mirwani
Pakistan T20I captain Salman Ali Agha believes spinner Usman Tariq is an “X-factor” as he is a bit of an enigma when it comes to his bowling.
Tariq has drawn widespread attention for his unique bowling action, though it has been confirmed to be entirely legal.
Lately, the 28-year-old was in action in Pakistan’s three-match T20I series against Australia, where he took two wickets in the one game he played.
Tariq also showcased his match-winning potential in November 2025 when he claimed a hat-trick against Zimbabwe during a T20I tri-series. Reflecting on those performances, Salman said the spinner possesses the kind of impact that can change the course of a game at any moment.
“He is an X-factor, and that’s how we want to use him. If we have a bowler who can create that kind of impact in the middle overs, we are always going to be on the winning side,” he was quoted as saying by Geo Super.
Tariq is now in Pakistan’s squad for the ongoing 2026 T20 World Cup, which began with the men in green beating the Netherlands by three wickets.
In their clash against the United States of America, Tariq registered figures of 3-27 as the men in green secured a 32-run win.
Pakistan will be back in action on February 15 when they take on India in Colombo.
Pakistan Squad for 2026 T20 World Cup: Salman Ali Agha (captain), Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Khawaja Nafay (wicketkeeper), Mohammad Nawaz, Salman Mirza, Naseem Shah, Sahibzada Farhan (wicketkeeper), Saim Ayub, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Shadab Khan, Usman Khan (wicketkeeper), Usman Tariq