KARACHI: Batting legend Javed Miandad has said that Pakistan enjoy spin-edge over the West Indies in their do-or-die Group-II last league tie of ICC World Twenty20 on Tuesday.
"This is a big showdown between top two teams and passage into the semis-finals. But our spin bowlers can play big role," he told APP in an exclusive interview here on Monday.
"Looking at the variety of Pakistan spin attack, they can pose a threat to West Indian batting", former Pakistan captain, commented.
Pakistan spin quartet of Saeed Ajmal, Shahid Afridi, Muhammad Hafeez and Zulfiqar Babar has done well in the event so far.
"Even containing the West Indies batting will be of great significance", he stressed.
"West Indian traditionally play fast bowlers well. But spin had always been their problem area," he said.
Miandad, made it clear that nothing can be taken for granted without giving 100 percent in the middle with the bat, ball and performing excellently in the field.
Former Pakistan Test off-spinner Saqlain Mushtaq, who invented "Doosra" is currently on the coaching duty with the defending champion West Indies and under his guidance Sunil Narine and Bardree Nath have shown good progress.
However Miandad said Saqlian's presence in West Indian camp will not be a big problem for Pakistan team.
"Bowling dot balls and containing West Indies batting will be very crucial in the outcome of the match. If our bowler contained them, they may be playing risky shots which would benefit us (Pakistan)", he maintained.
Leading Pakistan team in 2011 World Cup at the same ground, Shahid Afridi took five wickets to bulldoze West Indies and guide Pakistan in the semi-finals where they lost to India at Mohali.
Banglore-hero and former left arm spinner Iqbal Qasim said conditions in Bangladesh favor more to Pakistan spin bowling and if they showed their magic they can take their team into last four grade.
But, he said the role of batsmen will be of great importance and if they play the like against Australia and Bangladesh, they got chances to reach the semi-finals.
He said Pakistan team must not under rate West Indies as they are also highly unpredictable and at the same time prove explosive.
"This is big match for both teams and we may see a lot of tension. Holding the nerves will be key to success," former chief selector said.
"Clicking of our top-order batting will also be very crucial," Iqbal Qasim said. The strike rate of our batsmen should also be in 150 plus", he added.
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