Wasim Akram: “Usman Tariq is unreadable”

Image taken by: Bimal Mirwani

Legendary Pakistan left-arm pace bowler Wasim Akram has praised spinner Usman Tariq, saying his bowling is “unreadable”.

Tariq has been thrust into the spotlight due to his unorthodox bowling action, coupled with his consistent wicket-taking ability.

With many batters struggling to pick him, he has recently been deployed by Pakistan in T20Is and has enjoyed impressive results, claiming 18 wickets in nine matches at an average of 11.16 and an economy rate of 6.66.

“Usman Tariq is unreadable,” Wasim was quoted as saying by journalist Ahmad Haseeb on X.

Tariq recently played in the 2026 Pakistan Super League (PSL) and ended up finishing with nine wickets in 10 matches for the Quetta Gladiators at an average of 33.55 and an economy rate of 7.55.

After PSL 11, Pakistan faced Bangladesh in a two-Test series, which they lost 2-0, but the 28-year-old was not selected.

Next up for the men in green will be a three-match ODI series against Australia, which will take place in Rawalpindi and Lahore from May 30 to June 4.

Pakistan Squad for Australia ODI Series: Shaheen Shah Afridi (captain), Salman Ali Agha (vice captain), Abdul Samad, Abrar Ahmed, Ahmed Daniyal, Arafat Minhas, Babar Azam, Haris Rauf, Maaz Sadaqat, Ghazi Ghori (wicketkeeper), Naseem Shah, Rohail Nazir (wicketkeeper), Sahibzada Farhan, Shadab Khan, Shamyl Hussain, Sufyan Moqim

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