T20 World Cup 2024: IND vs PAK – Who said What?

At Nassau County Cricket International Stadium in New York, Jasprit Bumrah emerges victorious as India defeats Pakistan by a margin of six runs in the T20 World Cup 2024. The Men in Green were in the hunt most of the time while chasing 120 runs, but Bumrah’s third over turned the tide of the match and made Pakistan feel the heat for the first time. India overcame great hurdles to complete the task; thus, they were unable to bounce back from it.

India lost early wickets to Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli while batting first, but Rishabh Pant was excellent. With 42 runs off of 31 deliveries, the keeper-batter proved to be a one-man army. In the first inning, India scored 119 runs, but he didn’t have much help from the other end. Although it didn’t seem like enough at the midway point, India’s outstanding bowling turned the tide of the match in their favour.

Despite his difficulties, Pakistan remained competitive for a considerable amount of time because to Muhammad Rizwan. On the other hand, he received very little assistance from the other batters, who all contributed somewhat but not very much. Arshdeep Singh and Axar Patel each took one wicket, while Bumrah claimed four and Hardik Pandya claimed two.

1. The greatest game Rishabh Pant has played since his return

Pant possibly had his finest performance in an IPL 2024 match since he returned from his injury. The 26-year-old was crucial since he scored some significant runs at a respectable strike rate. He made three excellent catches to improve India’s chances in the second innings. Pant was also very good, but Bumrah was the clear winner as Player of the Match.

2. Bumrah saved India.

Bumrah undoubtedly saved India in New York. Pakistan appeared to be the favourites at one point, but Bumrah’s third over turned the tide. In four overs, he bowled 15 dot balls and conceded just 14 runs overall. Iftikhar Ahmad, Rizwan, and Babar Azam were all taken out by him, ending Pakistan’s chances of winning.

3. It seems unlikely that Pakistan will qualify for the Super 8.

Pakistan are now in a difficult situation after suffering two straight losses. It looks hard, but a lot of things need to work in their advantage to finish the task. Pakistan’s campaign would cease if the United States of America were to beat Ireland or India.

Also read: Pakistan’s qualifying scenarios for the T20 World Cup 2024

Here’s what losing skipper Babar Azam said:

We bowled well. In the batting, lost back to back wickets and had too much dot balls. Tactics was simple to play normally. Just strike rotation and the odd boundary. But in that period we had too many dot balls. Can’t expect much from tailenders. Our mind was to utilise first overs in batting. But one wicket down, and again we weren’t up to the mark in first six. Pitch looked decent. Ball was coming on nicely. It was a little bit slow, and some balls extra bounce. Have to win last two matches. Will sit and discuss our mistakes but looking forward to last two matches.

Here’s what winning skipper Rohit Sharma said:

We didn’t bat well enough. Halfway through our innings we were in good position. We didn’t put enough partnership there and fell short with the bat. We spoke about every run matters on a pitch like that. There was enough in the pitch. Was a good wicket to be honest, compared to the last game. With a bowling lineup like that you feel confident to do the job. Halfway through the stage when they were batting, we got everyone together and said that if it can happen to us, it can happen to them.

Little contribution from everyone can make huge difference. He’s going from strength to strength (Bumrah). We all know what he can do. Not going to talk too much about him. Want him to be in that mindset throughout the WC. He’s a genius, we all know that. Crowd was superb. They never disappoint wherever we play. I’m sure they’ll be going home with a big smile. It’s just the start, we have a long way to go.

POTM Jasprit Bumrah said:

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.