The T20 World Cup game held at Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in New York, saw India securing a tight victory of six runs against Pakistan amidst the presence of more than 34,000 enthusiastic spectators. Despite an initial hindrance due to rainfall and India’s struggle on a difficult pitch, the team emerged victorious with a score of 119 (19 overs), pushing them to lead Group A with their consecutive second win.
Pakistan, having experienced two successive defeats including an upset by the host team, United States, are yet to gain a point. They’d chosen to bowl after winning the toss, striving to play on a tricky, rain-altered pitch. India’s commendable innings was navigated by R Pant, who scored 42, and A Patel’s contribution of 20 runs.
Pakistan, attempting reply, commenced a solid foundational approach by Mohammad Rizwan with his calculated score of 31. However, the regular loss of wickets led to their shortfall, despite a rigorous chase to India’s 120. The Pakistani team, with critical player Rizwan dropped in the third over, began to struggle as the required run rate increasingly rose, leaving them 21 runs deficient with merely two overs remaining.
A key moment in the match was fashioned by Jasprit Bumrah of India, particularly for his striking performance and gaining the player of the match award. Bumrah played a fundamental role in Pakistan’s downfall and maintained pressure by delivering three significant wickets and 15 dot balls. He also successfully dismissed Babar Azam, Usman Khan and Fakhar Zaman, all at 13 runs each, significantly tipping the match in India’s favour.
The win marks a significant step in India’s T20 campaign, solidifying their standing within Group A and highlighting their disciplined approach to the game.
Bumrah was reserved for the second-last over, permitting a mere three runs and concluding his run with a third wicket, as Iftikhar Ahmed was snatched out in the field. Naseem Shah hit two fours in the closing over, however, Arshdeep Singh ensured a quiet ending, preventing any last-minute surprises, securing a tight victory for India.