Spinner Usman Tariq mentioned Tuesday that he returned to cricket after drawing inspiration from legendary Indian captain M.S. Dhoni’s biopic.
“I got here again to cricket after watching M.S. Dhoni. His story felt just like mine as a result of I used to be additionally working a job, and he was too. He created historical past, and I felt that if he might do it, possibly I might as nicely. However for that, I must work very onerous. That’s what impressed me to return to cricket,” he instructed reporters right here when requested who his position mannequin was.
Tariq was assured that Pakistan can bounce again from its T20 World Cup drubbing towards India and seal qualification for the subsequent spherical.
India’s 61-run romp means Pakistan should beat Namibia in its ultimate match in Colombo on Wednesday to qualify for the Tremendous Eights.
A defeat would eradicate Pakistan, which is third behind the USA on internet run fee in Group A.
It will additionally go away an outdoor probability for the Netherlands to qualify, however they would want a giant win over co-hosts India in Ahmedabad on Wednesday.
“Lifting the staff is simply tough if you don’t work in your errors dedicated within the final recreation,” Tariq instructed reporters.
“We have now labored on our errors so I feel it is not going to be a troublesome job.
“We have now a resolve to not commit the identical errors once more.”
Pakistan was criticised for asking India to bat then folding meekly for 114 in 18 overs chasing a stiff 176 goal.
“We will really feel their (followers’) disappointment as a result of the match is watched by the entire nation,” Tariq mentioned.
“So we really feel their ache however I’m certain once we play them (India) subsequent we are going to put up a greater present.”
Tariq dismissed rumours that batting star Babar Azam and tempo spearhead Shaheen Shah Afridi might be dropped towards Namibia after poor performances towards India.
“Each Azam and Shaheen have gained many matches for Pakistan so if they didn’t carry out nicely in a single recreation we should always not write them off,” mentioned Tariq.
Pakistan has confronted Namibia solely as soon as earlier than in a T20 worldwide.
“Whoever we play we’ve the arrogance to beat them and our purpose is to play the ultimate and win the cup which we are going to attempt our greatest to realize.”
Namibia has misplaced all three of its group matches.
Printed on Feb 17, 2026