Another thrilling match between India and Pakistan at the T20 World Cup ends with India emerging victorious. Pakistan will be heartbroken, as they seemed to have control before losing their grip in the final few overs. Both captains agreed the pitch was better today, with India targeting around 140. However, despite a significant batting collapse, leaving them with just 119 to defend, India managed to secure the win. That wraps up our coverage here. This is Sagar Chawla signing off on behalf of Siva, Harish, MS Ramakrishnan, and Anurag Hegde. Goodbye!
Rohit, India captain: We didn’t bat well enough. Halfway through our innings, we were in a good position but didn’t build enough partnerships and fell short with the bat. We emphasized that every run matters on such a pitch. It was a good wicket compared to the last game. With a bowling lineup like ours, you feel confident. During their batting, we gathered everyone and reminded them that if it could happen to us, it could happen to them. Small contributions from everyone made a huge difference. Bumrah is going from strength to strength. We all know what he can do, and we want him to stay in this mindset throughout the World Cup. He’s a genius. The crowd was superb and never disappoints us wherever we play. I’m sure they’re going home with a big smile. It’s just the start; we have a long way to go.
Babar, Pakistan captain: We bowled well, but in batting, we lost wickets back to back and had too many dot balls. Our strategy was to play normally, with strike rotation and the occasional boundary, but we had too many dot balls. We can’t expect much from the tailenders. Our plan was to utilize the first six overs in batting, but losing a wicket early meant we weren’t up to the mark in the first six. The pitch was decent, with the ball coming on nicely, though a bit slow with some extra bounce. We have to win our last two matches. We’ll sit down and discuss our mistakes but are looking forward to the last two games.
Stats by Deepu Narayanan:
- Jaspirt Bumrah: Player of the Match vs Pakistan in Ahmedabad in the ODI World Cup 2023 (2/19) and T20 World Cup 2024 (3/14).
- Most wins against an opponent in T20 World Cups (including wins in ties):
- 7 India vs Pakistan
- 6 Pakistan vs Bangladesh
- 6 Sri Lanka vs West Indies
- Lowest targets successfully defended vs Pakistan in T20Is:
- 119 by Zimbabwe in Harare 2021
- 120 by India in New York 2024 *
- 128 by Australia in Melbourne 2010
- 130 by England in Abu Dhabi 2012
- 131 by Zimbabwe in Perth 2022
- Lowest targets successfully defended in T20 World Cups:
- 120 Sri Lanka vs New Zealand in Chattogram 2014
- 120 India vs Pakistan in New York 2024 *
- 124 Afghanistan vs West Indies in Nagpur 2016
- 127 New Zealand vs India in Nagpur 2016
- 129 South Africa vs New Zealand in Lord’s 2009
- Lowest targets successfully defended by India in T20Is:
- 120 vs Pakistan in New York 2024 *
- 139 vs Zimbabwe in Harare 2016
- 145 vs England in Nagpur 2017
- 147 vs Bangladesh in Bengaluru 2016
Jasprit Bumrah | Player of the Match: It feels really good. We felt we were a bit short, and the wicket improved after the sun came out. We were disciplined, and it feels great. I tried to hit the seam as much as possible and focus on clear execution, and it all worked out well. It felt like we were playing in India with the support, which energizes us on the field. We focus on the present, having played two good games. We stick to our processes and aim to play well.