India defend 119 against Pakistan in a crucial T20 World Cup match.
That was a comeback of dreams, showing what they can really do. In this respect, the six-run win against Pakistan at New York’s initiation into serious top-flight cricket was indeed the spectacle that the sport has been yearning for.
Down, out and virtually nailed into the coffin, the bravehearts in blue rose from the ashes as India’s entry into Super-8s looks well assured.
A flip of coin went against India, then there was a sensational collapse that saw them bowled out for 119 and when Pakistan score read 80-4 in the 15th over, the game looked all but gone.
But herein lies India’s greatest ever white-ball match-winner. Right spot on pitch by Jasprit Bumrah got him there and Mohammed Rizwan who had battled on to 31 until then played an ordinary shot to get bowled. The celebration told it all as Indian bowlers knew that they were back in business.
Axar gave two away in his over after wards while Hardik Pandya dismissed Shadab Khan off a short ball in his next over as Pakistan wheels started coming off spectacularly.
The last chance came with Pakistan requiring 21 from the last over with Bumrah on song again. The champion elected to bowl back of length as Ifthikar Ahmed and Imad Wasim never seemed to get going. It was when Ifthikar departed off last ball of Bumrah’s spell that wave of blue took control of stadium.
Arshdeep did just enough to get India home with 18 needed off last over which was too far beyond Pakistan’s reach; he had also scored some vital runs himself though earlier
It felt like India had things under control when they reached 89-3 in 12 overs. Rishabh Pant (42 off 31 balls), along with Axar Patel and Suryakumar Yadav in two gritty partnerships, seemed to have survived the initial crisis.
But as the sun came out and pitch dried up a little, the nature of the wicket began to show its true colors. And it was this slight advantage that Pakistan bowlers brilliantly exploited.
Surya who failed to connect his bread-and-butter inside-out shot over mid-off, Haris Rauf struck him down; even though he had looked ordinary until now. It ignited a collapse where India went on to lose seven for 28; such kind of batting debacle has not been seen by India fans for some time but it didn’t matter at all.
