India captain Rohit Sharma said that the bowlers saved the day for the team during their thrilling six-run win over Pakistan in a Group A game of the T20 World Cup 2024. On a slow pitch at the Nassau County Cricket Stadium, India managed to post only 119 and were bowled out in the 19 overs for the first time against Pakistan in the tournament’s history as well. However, the Jasprit Bumrah-led bowling attack successfully defended the target and secured their second win in as many games in the mega event as well.

Rohit Sharma recalled a mid-innings pep-talk, saying, “Only 119 on the board, and we wanted to make early inroads which we didn’t. But at the halfway stage we got together and said if things can happen to us, they can happen to them too. The little contributions from everyone makes the difference. Whoever has the ball wants to make the difference.”

However, Team India paid the price for being ‘reckless’ as none of the batters, apart from Rishabh Pant and Axar Patel, could manage to score. Virat Kohli (4) and Rohit Shamra (13) got out after which Axar, who came in at No. 4, and Rishabh Pant built a partnership, helping India post 50 in the powerplay as well. Meanwhile, captain Rohit Sharma lauded Jasprit Bumrah, who picked up three wickets and gave away just 14 runs and bowled 14 dot balls as well.

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“Bumrah is going from strength to strength. I’m not going to talk too much about him, we want him to be in that kind of mindset till the end of this World Cup, he’s a genius with the ball. The crowd was superb, they never disappoint, wherever we play in the world, they come out in huge numbers and support us. They’ll be going home with a big smile on their face as well,” Rohit Sharma added.

Meanwhile, speaking to the broadcaster after the match, Jasprit Bumrah hailed the New York crowd and said that India appreciated their support as well.

“We felt we were a little under par, and when the sun came out, the wicket got a little better, so we had to be really disciplined. I tried to keep it simple, tried to hit the seam as much as I can, focus on my execution,” Jasprit Bumrah said after the game. “It felt like we were in India, and the cheering is really appreciated, we were really happy with the support we got, it gave us a lot of energy. Focus on the now. We’ve played two games, played very good cricket. We’ll stick to our processes, and come out and try our best.”