In a gripping encounter at the T20 World Cup, Pakistan’s hopes took a severe hit as they fell to a six-run defeat against rivals India in New York. This thrilling match went down to the final over, with Pakistan needing 12 runs from the last two balls but managing only six.
Despite winning the toss and bowling out India for 119, Pakistan’s batting lineup faltered under pressure. Jasprit Bumrah (3-14) and Hardik Pandya (2-24) delivered crucial wickets that turned the game in India’s favor, with Bumrah taking the key wicket of Mohammad Rizwan (31), who was anchoring Pakistan’s innings.
Naseem Shah (3-21), Haris Rauf (3-21), and Mohammad Amir (2-21) shone with the ball, reducing India from 89-3 to 119 all out. However, Pakistan’s chase stumbled from 72-2 to 88-5, struggling to find the necessary boundaries in the final overs.
Bumrah and Hardik Strike to Dent Pakistan Chase
Chasing 120, Pakistan’s Babar Azam (13) and Mohammad Rizwan (10) started well, but Babar fell early, leaving the team at 26-1. Rizwan, battling a finger injury, and Usman Khan brought the score to 57-1 by the halfway mark. However, Axar Patel (1-11) struck immediately to remove Usman Khan (13), followed by Fakhar Zaman (13) who was caught behind off a Hardik delivery, leaving Pakistan at 73-3.
With the game in the balance, Bumrah dismissed Rizwan with an inswinger, increasing the pressure on Pakistan. Shadab Khan (4) was caught behind by Pant, leaving Pakistan needing 21 from 12 balls.
In the final over, Iftikhar Ahmed (5) and Imad Wasim (15) were dismissed, leaving Pakistan needing 18 from five balls. Despite a valiant effort, they could only score six from the last two balls, falling heartbreakingly short.
Score Summary – India vs Pakistan
- India: Jasprit Bumrah (3-14), Hardik Pandya (2-24); Rishabh Pant (42 runs from 31 balls)
- Pakistan: Naseem Shah (3-21), Mohammad Amir (2-23), Haris Rauf (3-21); Mohammad Rizwan (31 runs from 44 balls)
India now leads Group A with two wins, while Pakistan, yet to secure a victory, faces an uphill battle to reach the Super 8s after back-to-back losses.
Credit: Sky Sports
