NEW DELHI: In an emotional scene following Pakistan's narrow six-run defeat to India in the T20 World Cup, young fast-bowling sensation Naseem Shah was seen in tears as he walked back to the pavilion.
Consoled by teammate Shaheen Shah Afridi, the 21-year-old's distress underscored the high stakes and intense emotions of the match at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium.
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Naseem showcased immense resilience during the final over of Pakistan's chase, needing 18 runs against India's Arshdeep Singh. Despite his valiant efforts, including a skillful scoop shot over the keeper and a boundary at deep backward point, Pakistan fell short of the 120-run target, marking their seventh defeat to India in T20 World Cup history, including a bowl-out.
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Earlier in the game, Naseem led Pakistan's bowling attack with a stellar performance, capitalizing on the challenging conditions in New York. He struck early, removing Indian star Virat Kohli cheaply in his opening over, followed by dismissing Axar Patel and Shivam Dube.
Naseem's impressive figures of 4-0-21-3 highlighted his talent and potential, even as his team faced a potential early exit from the 2024 edition of the tournament.
The young pacer's tears reflected the heartbreak of a narrow defeat and the high expectations placed on him. His performance, however, earned praise and demonstrated his promising future in international cricket.
The match, which saw India post a modest total of 119, was marked by Jasprit Bumrah's three-wicket haul and Rishabh Pant's crucial knock. Bumrah's strategic bowling and Pant's counter-attacking innings played pivotal roles in India's victory.
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
