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

Jasprit Bumrah turns hero as India defeated Pakistan by six runs at Nassau County Cricket International Stadium in New York. Chasing 120 runs, the Men in Green were in the hunt for the majority of the time but Bumrah’s third over changed the complexion of the game as Pakistan for the first time felt the heat. They couldn’t recover from it as India showed a lot of grit to get the job done against all the odds.

Batting first, India lost the wickets of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma early but Rishabh Pant looked outstanding. The keeper-batter proved to be the one-man army as he made 42 runs off 31 deliveries. He received little support from the other end as India posted 119 runs in the first innings. At the halfway stage, it didn’t look enough but India managed to bowl brilliantly to have the game in their favour.

Mohammad Rizwan struggled but kept Pakistan in the hunt for a long time. However, he barely got any support from the other hand as every other batter chipped in but couldn’t make a significant contribution. Bumrah picked up four wickets, Hardik Pandya picked up two and Arshdeep Singh and Axar Patel picked one each.

1. Rishabh Pant's best match since his comeback

Pant arguably played his best match since returning from the injury in IPL 2024. The 26-year-old scored some very important runs and at a good strike rate, which was extremely vital. In the second innings, he picked up three very good catches, which boosted India’s chances. Bumrah was excellent and was adjudged Player of the Match but Pant too was outstanding.

2. Bumrah saved India

Needless to say, Bumrah saved India in New York. Pakistan looked favourite at one stage but Bumrah’s third over changed everything. Overall, he gave away just 14 runs in four overs and bowled 15 dot balls. He picked up three crucial wickets of Babar Azam, Rizwan and Iftikhar Ahmad, which killed the game for Pakistan.

3. Pakistan’s chance to make it to Super 8 looks slim

With two back-to-back defeats, Pakistan are in a tight spot now. A lot of things need to go in their favour to get the job done but it looks difficult. In case USA defeats either of India or Ireland, Pakistan’s campaign would end then are there. 

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.