Team India extended their dominance against Pakistan in ICC events by securing a nail-biting 6-run victory in the T20 World Cup 2024 fixture at Nassau County Stadium on Sunday. Despite posting a modest total, the men in blue defended it with exceptional skill, catapulting them to the top of the Group A points table. The victory was largely due to the stellar bowling performances by Jasprit Bumrah (3/14), Hardik Pandya (2/24), and Axar Patel (1/11), who orchestrated a remarkable comeback for India.
However, the match wasn’t without its tense moments. One such moment occurred in the 17th over when Mohammed Siraj bowled a no-ball at a crucial juncture of Pakistan’s chase, which required 29 runs off 17 deliveries. Siraj’s overstep granted Pakistan a Free Hit, prompting legendary cricketer Sunil Gavaskar to express his frustration on-air.
“Unforgivable. Professional cricketers, whatever you are, you cannot bowl a no-ball. It is in your control. Wide balls are not always in your control but no-ball is. Unprofessional, and unacceptable at this level. No excuses whatsoever,” Sunil Gavaskar fumed.
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Despite this blunder, Siraj managed to keep his composure, conceding only 2 runs off the Free Hit. Although Pakistan batters managed to score 9 runs in that over, Siraj’s overall figures were economical, finishing with 0/19 in his four overs.
India’s captain Rohit Sharma heaped praise on Jasprit Bumrah, describing him as a genius. Bumrah’s extraordinary figures of 3/14 in four overs, which included a staggering 15 dot balls, were instrumental in defending India’s low total of 119.
“He is going from strength to strength. We all know what he can do. Not going to talk too much about him. We want him to be in that mindset throughout the World Cup. He is a genius, we all know that,” Rohit Sharma said, lauding one of India’s premier fast bowlers.
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Rohit also expressed confidence in his bowling unit, reflecting on the team’s strategy during the match. “With a bowling line-up like that, you feel confident to do the job. Halfway through their innings, we gathered everyone and reminded them that if a collapse could happen to us, it could happen to them too,” he added.
India’s resilience and strategic brilliance under pressure showcased their capability to perform in critical moments, reinforcing their position as a formidable force in the T20 World Cup.
