Rohit Sharma Hails Jasprit Bumrah-Led Bowling Attack After India Clinch Thriller Vs Pakistan In T20 World Cup 2024

New York: India captain Rohit Sharma admitted they didn’t bat in the first innings as expected but had the belief to beat Pakistan with the bowling line-up they had as the Men in Green fell short by six runs in the marquee T20 World Cup 2024 clash on Sunday. With the unpredictable pitch at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium on offer, none of the Indian batter get going spare Rishabh Pant.

The wicketkeeper-batter, who is coming into the Indian colours after 16 long months, stood tall in the middle with 31-ball 42 including six fours. It was actually Pant’s knock that propelled the Indian team to 119 all out. In reply, Pakistan were in the game till Mohammad Rizwan was there in the middle.

With Jasprit Bumrah cleaning up Rizwan on the first ball of the 15th over, the match tilted in India’s favour as Pakistan eventually managed 113/7 in 20 overs. “We didn’t bat well enough. Halfway through our innings we were in good position,” Rohit said after the game.

“We didn’t put enough partnership there and fell short with the bat. We spoke about every run matters on a pitch like that. There was enough in the pitch. Was a good wicket to be honest, compared to the last game,” added the Indian captain.

Besides Bumrah, Hardik Pandya’s 2/24 also played a crucial role in India’s win. The equation came down to 18 off the last six balls and Arshdeep Singh held his nerve to defend it and ensure another famous win for India over Pakistan on the world stage.

Asked about what the talk was during the break, Rohit said they knew they can do it. “With a bowling lineup like that you feel confident to do the job. Halfway through the stage when they were batting, we got everyone together and said that if it can happen to us, it can happen to them. Little contribution from everyone can make huge difference,” he added.

Speaking about Bumrah, Rohit said he doesn’t want to speak a lot about him as the skipper wants his premier pacer to be in hi elements for the rest of the tournament. “He’s going from strength to strength (Bumrah). We all know what he can do. Not going to talk too much about him. Want him to be in that mindset throughout the World Cup. He’s a genius, we all know that,” Rohit said.

It was India’s second win in as many games while Pakistan succumbed to another loss after a shock defeat against the USA in their opener. A win for USA in their next two games, could possible knock the 2009 champions out of the competition from the group stage.