Team India etched their name in cricketing history by successfully defending their lowest-ever total in T20 cricket, defeating arch-rivals Pakistan by a nail-biting margin of 6 runs in their T20 World Cup clash at the Nassau County Stadium in New York. This victory puts India at the top of Group A with two convincing wins.
Pace Powerhouse Bumrah Steals the Show
Jasprit Bumrah’s exceptional bowling spell (3/14 in 4 overs) proved to be the difference-maker for India. He picked up crucial wickets at regular intervals, dismantling the Pakistani batting line-up. Rishabh Pant’s gutsy knock (31 runs) and his impressive wicket-keeping skills, claiming three catches, were also instrumental in India’s triumph.
Earlier, India themselves were restricted to a paltry 119 runs after electing to bat first. Openers Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli failed to capitalise, departing cheaply. However, a fighting knock from wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant (31 runs) provided some much-needed impetus to the Indian innings. Unfortunately, the middle order faltered, with only Axar Patel (20 runs) offering some resistance. Pakistan’s Naseem Shah and Haris Rauf were the wrecker-in-chiefs, claiming three wickets apiece.
Pakistan’s Determined Chase Falls Short
Despite India’s modest total of 119 runs, Pakistan’s chase never quite gained momentum. Captain Babar Azam’s early dismissal by Bumrah set them back, and wickets continued to fall at regular intervals throughout the innings. While Mohammad Rizwan (31) and Fakhar Zaman (13) offered some resistance, they were unable to build substantial partnerships. A late flourish from Naseem Shah (10*) wasn’t enough, as Pakistan fell short of the target by just 6 runs.
This famous victory not only strengthens India’s position in the tournament but also sees them set a new record. With a score of 119, India has now successfully defended the lowest total in their T20I history.
Here’s a look at India’s lowest defended totals in T20Is:
- 120 vs Pakistan, New York (2024) *
- 139 vs Zimbabwe, Harare (2016)
- 145 vs England, Nagpur (2017)
- 147 vs Bangladesh, Bengaluru (2016)
This win over Pakistan will undoubtedly be remembered as a classic encounter in the history of T20 cricket. India’s fighting spirit and clinical bowling performance under pressure proved decisive, while Pakistan will rue missed opportunities throughout their chase.
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