With his unique, slinging bowling action, Tariq has picked 10 wickets in four games at the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 and is expected to test New Zealand batters at the R. Premadasa Stadium, with the game yet to get underway due to rain.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cI was not expecting that I would get this much hype and appreciation from all the legends and from you guys (commentators). I\u2019m really enjoying every moment and really enjoying my performances. I\u2019m looking forward to bringing some more energy and excitement,\u201d Tariq told broadcasters in a brief chat on the sidelines.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Tariq, who honed his action while playing with a tennis ball in domestic cricket, said his unique bowling technique had been part of his game from the start and continued to serve him well.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cYes, even this action was developed from the beginning when I used to bowl with a tennis ball. If you check my action in slow motion, you\u2019ll see the timing is still there, but I\u2019m moving slowly. I just try to break the fractions of my bowling action. That\u2019s how it is working for me,\u201d he said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Tariq, who honed his action while playing with a tennis ball in domestic cricket, said his unique bowling technique had been part of his game from the start and continued to serve him well.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The off-spinner also addressed his trademark headband, saying it had become part of his identity. \u201cYes, of course \u2013 sometimes the hair comes in front of my eyes and distracts me, so that\u2019s why I wear the headband. Since it has been appreciated so much, I just want to keep wearing it now, even with short hair.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n