Overview

• Pakistan head coach Mike Hesson called Mohammad Nawaz the best spinner in the world and highlighted having five spin options, naming Abrar and Sufiyan among them.
• India assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate said everyone is entitled to opinions and stressed India’s confidence in its spin trio ahead of Sunday’s game in Dubai.
• Mohammad Nawaz enters the Asia Cup after a tri-series where he took a hat-trick and 5/19 in the final, finished as top wicket-taker, and won Player of the Series.
• Pre-match analysis indicates Pakistan may again lean on a spin-heavy attack, similar to their opener against Oman, given UAE conditions.
• Former India opener Krishnamachari Srikkanth criticized Hesson’s bold statements and pointed to his limited trophy return, including a barren stint with RCB.