By India came from behind to defend a total of 119, the lowest they have ever defended in a T20I, securing their second win in the T20 World Cup 2024. On the other hand, Pakistan, the runners-up of the previous edition, suffered their second consecutive loss and now face the embarrassing probability of a first-round exit. The pitch at New York’s Nassau County International Stadium was not conducive to big-hitting, placing the bowlers of both teams at the forefront of the low-scoring thriller.
What made the difference?
The game turned in India’s favor during the middle overs, when Hardik Pandya and Jasprit Bumrah not only kept the scoring tight but also struck crucial blows. Mohammad Rizwan and Fakhar Zaman had given Pakistan a start with 16 runs from 19 balls before Pandya had Zaman caught behind. This breakthrough triggered a massive turnaround, as Pakistan managed only 40 runs from the last 46 balls. Bumrah’s stellar performance, finishing with 3-14, earned him his second Man of the Match award in as many games. India’s bowlers collectively choked Pakistan in the back-end.
Toss: Babar Azam chose to bowl first under overcast conditions on a bowler-friendly pitch.
Powerplay: India move riskily after losing openers
IND: 50/2 (RR: 8.33; 5x4s, 2x6s)
Despite a delayed start due to rain, no overs were lost when play resumed. Virat Kohli began with a rousing cover drive off Naseem Shah, while Rohit Sharma’s flick off Shaheen Afridi showed early intent. However, the pitch was tricky, with the ball stopping and moving. Kohli was out chasing a wide delivery, and Rohit’s flick was miscued to deep square leg. India’s reply involved a batting order change, with Axar Patel partnering Rishabh Pant. Both batters lived dangerously, with edges fetching boundaries. Patel managed a deft uppercut and a loft down the ground, bringing up India’s fifty inside the powerplay.
Middle overs: Amir, Naseem catch India unawares
IND: 47/5 (RR: 5.11; 6x4s, 0x6s)
India lost four wickets for eight runs in eighteen balls, slipping to 97/7 by the end of the 15th over. Pant had threatened to lift India to a respectable total, hitting three boundaries off Haris Rauf. However, the pitch was not conducive to shot-making. Patel was bowled by Shah, while Suryakumar Yadav, Shivam Dube, Pant, and Ravindra Jadeja fell to catches inside the circle. Amir and Naseem added to their tally, with India’s shot selection leaving much to be desired. Pakistan roared back into a commanding position.
Death overs: India spiral down further
IND: 22/3 in 4 overs (RR: 5.50; 2x4s, 0x6s)
Hardik Pandya, the last recognized batter, flicked Rauf to deep square leg. India’s tail couldn’t add much, with Pakistan maintaining tight zones. Rauf finished with a three-wicket haul, matching Naseem’s performance.
India Clinches Victory Over Pakistan in Low-Scoring Thriller
Pakistan
Powerplay: Pakistan make a watchful start
PAK: 35/1 (RR: 5.83; 2x4s, 1×6)
Defending a low target, India needed early breakthroughs. Pakistan’s top order played watchfully, respecting the conditions. Rizwan kept his defense tight, while Babar Azam departed nicking Bumrah after a few eye-catching shots. Both batters were given early lives by fielding errors. Pakistan played circumspectly, reaching 35 inside the powerplay.
Middle overs: India keep Pakistan in check
PAK: 48/3 (RR: 5.33; 4x4s, 1×6)
Rizwan’s 31 off 44 anchored Pakistan’s innings but did not allow for late scoring acceleration. Other batters took more chances, like Zaman, who lofted a six but was soon caught behind off Pandya. Bumrah struck a big blow by bowling Rizwan with a delivery that kept low, creating a massive twist.
Death overs: Pakistan lose the plot as India squeeze out boundaries
PAK: 30/3 (RR: 6.00; 2x4s, 0x6s)
Imad Wasim managed only 15 off 23, struggling against Axar Patel’s left-arm spin. India kept things exceptionally tight in the final five overs, preventing boundaries. Iftikhar Ahmed missed a couple of full tosses and was caught off one, causing Pakistan’s innings to nosedive. The tacky surface added to their woes, pushing them into a corner they couldn’t escape from.
Brief Scores: India 119 in 19 overs (Rishabh Pant 42; Naseem Shah 3-21, Haris Rauf 3-21) beat Pakistan 113/7 in 20 overs (Mohammad Rizwan 31; Jasprit Bumrah 3-14) by 6 runs.
