In a remarkable display of skill and determination, the Indian cricket team achieved the improbable feat of defending a modest target of 120 runs against arch-rivals Pakistan in the T20 World Cup, clinching a memorable victory. This victory marks the second-lowest target successfully defended against Pakistan in T20I history and also stands as India’s lowest successful defense in a T20I match.
Chasing 120, Pakistan began their innings on a strong note but faltered along the way, eventually falling short by six runs. Jasprit Bumrah emerged as the hero for India, claiming three crucial wickets, while Hardik Pandya’s timely contributions, including the dismissals of Fakhar Zaman and Shadab Khan, tilted the match in India’s favor.
The Indian bowling unit, led by the exceptional performance of Jasprit Bumrah, collectively delivered an outstanding performance, propelling their team to a thrilling victory over Pakistan in a low-scoring encounter in New York.
Bumrah, with figures of 3/14, and Hardik Pandya’s, with 2/24, proved to be unyielding as they defended the modest total of 120, restricting Pakistan to 113/7.
Earlier, Pakistan’s pacers Naseem Shah and Mohammad Amir showcased impressive spells, exploiting the slightly two-paced pitch to bowl out India for 119 after a couple of rain interruptions. Shah claimed three wickets for 21 runs, while Amir accounted for two wickets conceding 23 runs.
Despite the challenging conditions, Rishabh Pant’s aggressive innings of 42 runs off 31 balls, embellished with six boundaries, provided India with some momentum.
Brief Scores:
India: 119 all out in 19 overs (Rishabh Pant 42, Axar Patel 20; Naseem Shah 3/21, Mohammad Amir 2/23)
Pakistan: 113/7 in 20 overs (Mohammad Rizwan 31; Hardik Pandya 2/24, Jasprit Bumrah 3/14)
Result: India won by six runs.