Raipur
Win Projections to be updated soon
India 119 (Pant 42, Naseem 3-21, Rauf 3-21) defeated Pakistan 113 for 7 (Rizwan 31, Bumrah 3-14, Hardik 2-24) by 6 runs
Pakistan needed 40 runs from the last 36 balls with seven wickets in hand. ESPNcricinfo’s forecaster had given them a 93% chance of winning at that stage. Unfortunately, it was proven wrong. Bumrah’s composure, his ability to thrive under pressure, and his extraordinary bowling skills not only in delivering the right ball but also in understanding what the right ball should be, left everyone astonished in New York.
Bumrah’s brilliance created a historic moment: defending a total of 119 is tied for the lowest defended total in men’s T20 World Cup history.
Despite being the most favorable batting pitch in New York so far, there were challenges. The ball did not come on to the bat smoothly, and there were instances of uneven bounce, leading to Rizwan and Arshdeep Singh sustaining blows to their hands.
Luck played a role in these conditions. Rishabh Pant survived three catching opportunities in three balls and narrowly avoided being bowled by an inside edge. He showed bravery by smashing Haris Rauf for boundaries and creativity with unorthodox shots, such as the flick while falling to play a good-length delivery to fine leg. Later, against Imad’s accurate left-arm spin, he displayed innovation by using the standing reverse sweep.
Batting was a challenge, but Pant’s unconventional methods made him stand out. He scored 42 off 31 deliveries at a strike rate of 135, while the rest of the Indian team managed 70 runs off 84 balls at a strike rate of 83.
