NEW DELHI: Team India etched its name in the history books with a thrilling six-run victory over Pakistan in a high-stakes ICC T20 World Cup clash on Sunday. Defending a modest target of 120 runs, India restricted Pakistan to 113/7 in their 20 overs, marking the lowest total ever defended in the tournament's history.
This feat ties with Sri Lanka's record from the 2014 T20 World Cup, where they defended 120 against New Zealand, bowling them out for just 60 runs.
T20 World Cup Schedule | Points Table
India's successful defense also surpasses their previous best in T20I cricket, which was defending 139 runs against Zimbabwe in 2016, where they won by three runs.
The match at Nassau County International Cricket Stadium was a rollercoaster of emotions, as India's bowlers, led by Jasprit Bumrah, showcased their skills under immense pressure. Bumrah's precise three-wicket haul, combined with crucial contributions from other bowlers, kept Pakistan's chase in check.
India's victory over Pakistan marks their seventh win against their arch-rivals in T20 World Cup history, with Pakistan managing just one win in their encounters, a ten-wicket victory in the 2021 edition held in the UAE.
The win propels India to the top of Group A with two wins from two games, amassing four points. In contrast, Pakistan's chances of advancing to the knockout stages appear slim, as they are positioned fourth in the group, having lost both their matches to the USA and India.
Match Highlights:
India's Innings: India were bowled out for 119, their lowest total against Pakistan in T20Is.Pakistan's Chase: Pakistan fell short, managing only 113/7 in their 20 overs.Key Performances: Jasprit Bumrah's three-wicket haul and Rishabh Pant's crucial knock were pivotal in India's victory.Record: India defended the lowest total ever in T20 World Cup history, tying with Sri Lanka's record from 2014.
India's historic win not only solidifies their dominance in the group but also enhances their reputation for holding nerves in tight situations.
1/9:T20 World Cup: Bumrah delivers as India beat Pakistan in low-scoring thriller
AFP
2/9:India beat Pakistan in New York
Jasprit Bumrah was the hero as India beat Pakistan by six runs in a low-scoring T20 World Cup thriller in New York on Sunday.AP
3/9:Bumrah's Heroics
India were bowled out by Pakistan for 119 in 19 overs. Defending the small total, Bumrah delivered crucial wickets and his 3-14 in four overs proved decisive as Pakistan fell just short ending on 113-7.ANI
4/9:Crowd Excitement
Despite a tricky batting surface that made batting difficult, a crowd of 34,028, a record attendance for an international cricket match in the USA, were given a tight contest that ebbed and flowed.AFP
5/9:Pakistan's Chase
Naseem Shah made a valiant effort, hitting the fourth and fifth balls of the last over for fours but India avoided any late drama to secure their second win of the tournament.ANI
6/9:Bumrah's Crucial Wickets
Bumrah picked up the vital wicket of Pakistan captain Babar Azam (13) and Mohammad Rizwan (31). Then, in the penultimate over, Bumrah conceded just three runs and removed Iftikhar Ahmed with his final ball.AP
7/9:Final Over Drama
<b>That left Pakistan needing 18 from the final over, a steep task on a difficult batting surface and it got more tricky when Arshdeep Singh dismissed Imad Wasim with the first ball.</b>AFP
8/9:Pakistan's Tough Loss
For Pakistan, their loss, coming after the shock defeat to the USA, leaves them without a point and with a lot of work to do against Canada and Ireland if they are to fight their way into the Super Eight stage.AP
9/9:Rain Interruption
Rain delayed the start of the game, played in front of a packed 34,000 fans, the majority of whom were backing tournament favourites India.AFP(With inputs from ANI)
