Pakistan's mystery spinner Usman Tariq has a unique bowling action. His run-up is normal, but before releasing the ball, he suddenly pauses, seemingly for two seconds. He then bowls a side-arm off-break. This unique technique deceives batsmen and is the hallmark of his "mystery" bowling. This action is now a topic of much discussion.
Usman Tariq could pose a challenge for the Indian team in their match against India on February 15th. Usman was fielded by Pakistan in the T20 World Cup match against the United States in Colombo. He bowled brilliantly for Pakistan, taking 3 wickets for 27 runs in 4 overs. India will play Pakistan on the same ground, so Tariq could certainly pose a problem for Team India.
Usman Tariq Bizarre Bowling Action
His action has been questioned twice so far. The first time was during the 2024 PSL, when he was reported for suspicion. He was subsequently tested at the National Cricket Academy in Lahore, where his action was found to be clean, and he was cleared to continue bowling. However, he was reported again during the next PSL. This time, he passed the test as well.
Most recently, in early February, Australia's Cameron Green also raised questions about his action during the T20 series. He was seen copying his action after being dismissed. It also appeared that he was unhappy with Tariq's action. Now, it's clear that, given his performance against the United States, Tariq will definitely play against India. It remains to be seen how Team India handles him.
Weird bowling by Usman Tariq, is it right or wrong?
Usman Tariq Career
Usman Tariq has taken a total of 11 wickets in 4 T20 International matches so far. His best bowling performance came against Zimbabwe on November 23, 2025, when he took 4 wickets for 18 runs. He also took a hat-trick in this match.
The 28-year-old Tariq made his T20 debut for Peshawar in the National T20 Cup in November 2023 and also played in the 2024 PSL, but failed to make much of an impact. In the 2024-25 domestic season, he took 22 wickets in 15 matches, reviving his hopes. Tariq played a key role in helping Quetta Gladiators reach the 2025 PSL final. He took 10 wickets in five matches, including three wickets in Qualifier 1.
In the CPL, he took 20 wickets in 10 matches for champions Trinbago Knight Riders, finishing as the tournament's second-highest wicket-taker. Usman Tariq made a brilliant performance on his T20I debut in Lahore, dismissing Reeza Hendricks and Dewald Brevis as Pakistan restricted South Africa to 139 for 9 to win the series. In his second match, he took 4 for 18 against Zimbabwe, including the hat-trick we mentioned earlier.
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