India secured a thrilling 6-run victory over Pakistan in the T20 World Cup 2024 Group A clash at Nassau County Stadium, New York. Jasprit Bumrah’s exceptional bowling performance led India to defend a modest total of 120.
| June 10, 2024 at 10:49 AM
In an electrifying Group A encounter at the T20 World Cup 2024, India edged out arch-rivals Pakistan by a mere six runs, thanks to a sensational bowling performance led by Jasprit Bumrah. Despite multiple rain delays and a modest target of 120, the match turned out to be a classic, filled with dramatic twists and emotional moments.
Jasprit Bumrah was the star of the show, delivering an exceptional spell of 3/14. His performance was pivotal in defending India’s total of 119 runs. Bumrah’s crucial breakthrough came in his second over when he dismissed Pakistan’s captain Babar Azam, courtesy of a stunning catch by Suryakumar Yadav. Despite a dropped catch by Shivam Dube that gave Mohammad Rizwan a second life, Bumrah’s disciplined bowling ensured India stayed in the game.
Hardik Pandya played a significant role, both with the bat and the ball. He scored 15 runs and took 2/24, applying pressure on the Pakistani batsmen during the middle overs. His wickets were instrumental in halting Pakistan’s progress, especially during their critical run chase.
Pakistan started their chase confidently, with Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan providing a solid foundation. They were 35/1 at the end of the powerplay. However, India clawed back into the game post the 10th over. Needing 18 runs in the final over, Pakistan’s hopes were pinned on their lower order. Naseem Shah, who remained unbeaten on 10 off 4 balls, showed remarkable resilience but couldn’t take his team over the line. His emotional exit from the field, consoled by Shaheen Afridi and later by India’s Rohit Sharma, highlighted the intense pressure and stakes of the match.
India’s innings faced early turbulence as they were bowled out for 119 in 19 overs. Pakistan’s bowlers, led by Shaheen Afridi and Naseem Shah, capitalized on the conditions. Virat Kohli’s dismissal for just 4 runs off 3 balls in the second over was a significant blow. Shaheen Afridi further dented India’s start by removing Rohit Sharma in the next over.
Sent ahead of Suryakumar Yadav, Axar Patel added some momentum in the powerplay, scoring 20 off 18 balls. Along with Rishabh Pant, who contributed 19 runs, Axar put up a 39-run partnership for the third wicket. This brief resurgence was crucial in giving India a fighting total, but the subsequent collapse saw India lose four wickets for just 16 runs between the 11th and 15th overs.
Virat Kohli’s performance in T20 matches played in the USA has been underwhelming, with an average of 13.60 and a strike rate of 98.55. His record in the T20 World Cup matches against Pakistan, where he usually top-scores, took a hit with his early dismissal on Sunday. Previously, Kohli had been the top-scorer in every India-Pakistan T20 World Cup match since his T20I debut.
The 119 runs defended by India is the joint-lowest total successfully defended in a Men’s T20 World Cup 20-over game, matching Sri Lanka’s defense against New Zealand in 2014. Additionally, the target of 120 is the lowest India has successfully defended in a full 20-over game in men’s T20Is, surpassing their previous lowest defense of 139 against Zimbabwe in 2016.
This match marked India’s seventh win against Pakistan in the T20 World Cup, maintaining an impressive head-to-head record of 7-1. It also highlighted Pakistan’s struggle to chase low totals, with this being the second-lowest target they have failed to chase in the format, following their loss to Zimbabwe in 2021.
See Also: Watch: Naseem Shah, hero for Pakistan walks Off in tears after 6-run defeat against India
The high-stakes clash between India and Pakistan lived up to its billing, offering fans a thrilling spectacle filled with dramatic moments and exceptional performances. India’s victory, led by Jasprit Bumrah’s brilliance, added another memorable chapter to the storied rivalry, while Pakistan will look to bounce back as they navigate their challenging T20 World Cup campaign.
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Cricket newsHardik PandyaICC Men's T20 World Cup 2024India vs pakistanJasprit BumrahRishabh PantRohit SharmaTeam IndiaRohit Sharma on being asked if England were rightly awarded the World Cup title in 2019
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