India vs Pakistan, T20 World Cup 2024 Match Highlights

India clinched a thrilling victory over Pakistan by six runs on Sunday, securing the top spot in their group during the T20 World Cup 2024. Despite winning the toss and facing a chase of just 120 runs, Pakistan found themselves on the losing side yet again in this storied rivalry.

Key Moments in the Match:

The Turning Point:

A pivotal spell from Hardik Pandya and Jasprit Bumrah in the middle overs stifled Pakistan’s progress and shifted the momentum back to India. Mohammad Rizwan and Fakhar Zaman had given Pakistan a promising start, accumulating 16 runs in 19 balls before Pandya dismissed Zaman. This dismissal triggered a collapse for Pakistan, who managed only 40 runs off the last 46 balls. Bumrah’s excellence, taking 3-14, earned him his second successive Man of the Match award, as India’s bowlers collectively restricted the Pakistan batting lineup.

Toss Analysis:

Babar Azam opted to bowl first under overcast conditions on a pitch known for assisting bowlers.

INDIA INNING-

India’s Powerplay:

India posted 50/2 with a run rate of 8.33, including 5 fours and 2 sixes. Despite a rain delay, no overs were lost, and Virat Kohli set the pace with a splendid cover drive off Naseem Shah. However, the pitch posed challenges with its occasional movement and bounce. Kohli was dismissed chasing a wide delivery, while Rohit Sharma’s flick shot resulted in a catch at deep square leg. To introduce variety, India brought in left-handed Axar Patel to join Rishabh Pant. Both batsmen had some fortuitous edges for boundaries, ensuring India reached fifty within the powerplay.

Middle Overs Collapse:

India slipped to 97/7 by the end of the 15th over, losing four wickets for just eight runs within 18 balls. Rishabh Pant briefly provided momentum with three boundaries off Haris Rauf, but the difficult pitch led to numerous catches. Axar Patel was bowled by Shah, while Surya Kumar Yadav, Shivam Dube, Pant, and Ravindra Jadeja fell to catches within the circle. Amir and Naseem exploited the conditions well, bringing Pakistan back into contention.

Death Overs Struggles:

India managed only 22/3 in the last four overs, with Hardik Pandya unable to alter the situation, eventually getting caught off Rauf. India’s lower order couldn’t rally, as Pakistan’s disciplined bowling restricted their score. India was all out in 119 runs at 19th over.

PAKISTAN INNING-

Pakistan Powerplay:

Pakistan began cautiously, ending the powerplay at 35/1 with a run rate of 5.83, including 2 fours and 1 six. Rizwan’s solid defense and a couple of let-offs, including catches dropped by Shivam Dube and Siraj, allowed them to play carefully. Babar Azam, however, fell to Bumrah after scoring a few eye-catching shots.

Middle Overs:

Rizwan anchored the innings with 31 off 44 balls, aiming to avoid a collapse. Fakhar Zaman contributed briefly before getting caught behind off Pandya. Invoking Jasprit Bumrah yielded immediate results as he bowled Rizwan, creating a significant twist.

Death Overs:

Pakistan found themselves constrained during the death overs, adding only 30/3 with a run rate of 6.00. Imad Wasim and Iftikhar Ahmed struggled, with the latter being caught off a full toss. Bumrah led the charge with three wickets, conceding only 14 runs, and bowled 15 dot balls out of his 24 deliveries.

Brief Scores:

India: 119 in 19 overs (Rishabh Pant 42; Naseem Shah 3-21, Haris Rauf 3-21)
Pakistan: 113/7 in 20 overs (Mohammad Rizwan 31; Jasprit Bumrah 3-14)

India triumphed by six runs, thanks to a stellar bowling performance and Bumrah’s exceptional contribution.