India Clinches a Last-Over Thriller Against Pakistan in the T20 World Cup 2024: Jasprit Bumrah's Heroics Steal the Show
Jasprit Bumrah Shines as India Edges Out Pakistan by 6 Runs in a Tense Finale
In a nail-biting finish, Jasprit Bumrah’s exceptional bowling guided India to a 6-run victory over Pakistan in the T20 World Cup 2024. Defending a modest total of 119, Bumrah’s masterful spell turned the tide in India’s favor, ensuring Pakistan’s chase fell short despite being in a strong position.
Bumrah’s Brilliance
The difference between the two teams was clear: one had Jasprit Bumrah, and the other did not. Bumrah’s performance in this T20 World Cup match will be remembered not only for its significance against Pakistan but also for its crucial timing. Without his intervention, the game’s outcome could have been vastly different. Defending 119, India saw Pakistan crumble from a solid 80 for 3, putting the 2022 finalists at risk of an early exit.
Boom in Blue
Pakistan needed just 40 runs off the last 36 balls with seven wickets in hand. ESPN cricinfo’s forecaster even gave them a 93% chance of victory at that point. However, Bumrah’s composure, precision, and skill baffled both the opponents and the forecaster. Mohammad Rizwan misjudged a full-length ball, leading to his stumps being shattered. Bumrah’s celebration, a mix of arms wide and a roar, resonated with over 30,000 fans in the stadium and millions watching at home. This was the turning point. Rizwan, set at 31 off 44, was dismissed, and Bumrah also took out Iftikhar Ahmed in the 19th over, leaving Pakistan with no hope. Bumrah’s spell included 15 dot balls out of his 24 deliveries, marking a historic defense of 119, the joint-lowest in men’s T20 World Cups.
The Support Act
India’s strategy involved deploying Bumrah strategically in the third and 15th overs while relying on others to maintain pressure in between. Hardik Pandya’s short-of-a-length deliveries exploited the uneven bounce of the New York pitch, removing Fakhar Zaman and Shadab Khan. Axar Patel’s contribution was equally crucial, bowling a tight death over and restricting Pakistan to just two runs despite the favorable conditions for the left-hand batter.
Pant’s Daring Display
Batting on this challenging pitch required a mix of luck, bravery, and creativity, all of which Rishabh Pant demonstrated. Despite surviving multiple catching opportunities and an inside edge, Pant’s innovative shots, including a flick while falling and a reverse sweep, set him apart. He scored 42 off 31 balls at a strike rate of 135, while the rest of the Indian team managed just 70 off 84 balls at a strike rate of 83.
The Footnotes
In contrast to his previous game against the USA, Mohammad Amir was in fine form against India, creating false shots and near misses early on. His disciplined bowling saw India’s top batters, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, fall early. Amir’s efforts, especially between the 12th and 15th overs, brought Pakistan back into the game, reducing India from 89 for 3 to 96 for 7. However, despite his best phase coinciding with Pakistan’s resurgence, it was ultimately India’s day, thanks to Jasprit Bumrah’s heroics.
