In a thrilling encounter at the T20 World Cup 2024, Jasprit Bumrah emerged as the star, clinching the Player of the Match award in the high-stakes clash between India and Pakistan on June 9. The match, held at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in New York, not only showcased Bumrah’s exceptional skills but also marked his entry into an elite list of T20I wicket-takers.
Bumrah’s performance helped him surpass Hardik Pandya to become India’s third-highest wicket-taker in T20I cricket. Despite both bowlers having 78 wickets before the match, Bumrah achieved this milestone in just 64 games compared to Pandya’s 94. In the match against Pakistan, Pandya took 2 wickets for 24 runs in his 4 overs, while Bumrah’s final over was crucial for India’s defense.
With Pakistan needing 21 runs in 2 overs to chase down India’s total of 119/10, Bumrah delivered a masterful penultimate over. He conceded just 3 runs in 5 balls, applying immense pressure on the Pakistani batsmen. In a desperate attempt to score, Iftikhar Ahmed was caught by Arshdeep Singh at deep square leg off Bumrah’s delivery, marking Bumrah’s 79th wicket in T20I cricket and surpassing Pandya’s tally.
Indian bowlers, including Bumrah, still trail behind the leading wicket-takers in T20I cricket globally. New Zealand’s Tim Southee tops the list with 157 wickets, followed by Bangladesh’s Shakib Al Hasan with 146, and Afghanistan’s Rashid Khan with 144.
India’s captain, Rohit Sharma, was effusive in his praise for Bumrah after the match, highlighting the bowler’s pivotal role in securing the victory. This win continues to affirm India’s strong performance in the T20 World Cup, adding another memorable chapter to the storied India-Pakistan cricket rivalry.
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