In an electrifying T20 World Cup 2024 match at Nassau County International Cricket Stadium, Indian bowlers, spearheaded by Jasprit Bumrah, pulled off a stunning defense of a modest total of 120, securing a thrilling 6-run victory over Pakistan.

India’s Batting Struggles

India’s innings was far from ideal, with the team struggling to find its rhythm. The match, which began after a rain delay, saw Indian batsmen grappling with the conditions and Pakistan’s disciplined bowling attack.

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Top Order Collapse

The Indian innings got off to a rocky start with veteran openers Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli departing early. Rohit, after a promising six off Shaheen Shah Afridi, fell in the third over, caught by Haris Rauf. Kohli’s attempt to accelerate was cut short by Naseem Khan, with Usman Khan taking a sharp catch at point.

Late Innings Drama

Rishabh Pant and Axar Patel provided a glimmer of hope with a brief partnership. However, their efforts were not enough to stabilize the innings. Patel’s departure for 20 triggered a mini-collapse, with key middle-order batsmen Suryakumar Yadav, Shivam Dube, Pant, and Ravindra Jadeja falling in quick succession. The tail-enders, including Hardik Pandya, Bumrah, and Arshdeep Singh, could only muster a few runs, pushing India’s total to a modest 119.

Pakistan’s Steady Start

Chasing 120, Pakistan had a steady start with Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan putting together a solid opening partnership. The pair looked comfortable, scoring at a steady pace and keeping the required run rate in check.

Bumrah’s Breakthrough

The game took a dramatic turn when Jasprit Bumrah entered the attack. Bumrah’s precision and pace proved too much for Pakistan’s top order. He dismissed the Pakistani skipper Babar Azam for 13, followed by key wickets that shifted the momentum in India’s favor.

Middle Order Collapse

Pakistan’s middle order crumbled under pressure. Usman Khan and Fakhar Zaman, both scoring 13, fell cheaply, exposing the middle order. Bumrah struck again, removing Rizwan for 31, a crucial breakthrough that rattled Pakistan’s chase.

The Turning Point

Hardik Pandya added to Pakistan’s woes by dismissing Shadab Khan for just 4. With the pressure mounting, Pakistan found themselves struggling to maintain the required run rate, losing crucial wickets at critical junctures.

Final Overs Thriller

As the game approached its climax, Pakistan needed a steady hand to guide them home. However, Indian bowlers, including Axar Patel and Arshdeep Singh, kept the pressure on, taking wickets at regular intervals. The match went down to the wire, with Pakistan needing 7 runs off the final ball. Despite their efforts, they fell short by 6 runs, handing India a memorable victory. This is first time India won a men’s T20I match despite being all out.

India’s Defensive Tactics

India’s defensive strategy was spot-on. The bowlers executed their plans with precision, backed by sharp field placements and excellent teamwork. Bumrah’s spell was the highlight, supported ably by Pandya, Patel, and Arshdeep.

Player of the Match

Jasprit Bumrah | Player of the Match: It feels really good. We felt we were a little under and the wicket got a little better after the sun came out. We were really disciplined so it feels good. Tried to hit the seam as much as I could, tried to be as clear as I could with my execution and it all came out well so I felt happy. Felt like we were playing in India, really happy with the support and that gives us energy on the field. We focus on the now. We’ve played two games and played really well. You stick to your processes and look to play well.

Lowest targets successfully defended in T20 WCs
120 SL vs NZ Chattogram 2014
120 Ind vs Pak New York 2024 *
124 Afg vs WI Nagpur 2016
127 NZ vs Ind Nagpur 2016
129 SA vs Eng Lord’s 2009

Lowest targets successfully defended by India in T20I
120 vs Pak New York 2024 *
139 vs Zim Harare 2016
145 vs Eng Nagpur 2017
147 vs Ban Bengaluru 2016

Lowest targets successfully defended vs Pakistan in T20Is
119 by Zim Harare 2021
120 by India New York 2024 *
128 by Aus Melbourne 2010
130 by Eng Abu Dhabi 2012
131 by Zim Perth 2022