In their second Group A match of the ongoing T20 World Cup 2024 in New York, Team India secured a narrow victory over Pakistan on Sunday.
Despite a valiant 42-run innings from Rishabh Pant, India faced a collapse during the middle overs on a challenging pitch, getting all out for a modest 119 runs in 19 overs. However, the pace duo of Jasprit Bumrah and Hardik Pandya staged a remarkable comeback, taking crucial wickets and turning the tide in India’s favor. Their impactful bowling performances led to Pakistan’s downfall, resulting in a thrilling 6-run victory for India.
With this win, India surged to the top of the Group A standings, amassing 4 points and boasting a Net Run Rate of +1.455. Meanwhile, Pakistan finds themselves in a precarious position after suffering two consecutive defeats in the tournament.
Former fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar expressed disappointment at Pakistan’s defeat to India in another T20 World Cup match. In his recent YouTube video, he raised doubts about the determination of the team led by Babar Azam, suggesting that Pakistan could have emerged victorious if the players had shown better strategic thinking.
“Very disappointing. It was a run-a-ball chance for Pakistan. Earlier, India’s middle-order messed it up. They were 80-odd in 11 overs and could have achieved around 160 but couldn’t. But for Pakistan, it was a close chance. Rizwan could have scored another 20 runs and won the game for the team. Sadly, we didn’t apply our brains,” Akhtar said on his YouTube channel.
“A lot of things are questionable, their intent, the application… it’s really sad for the team. Pakistan should have won this game. They were pretty much in the game, requiring 46 runs in 47 balls when Fakhar was there. We had 7 wickets in hand but we couldn’t do it. I’m speechless and hurt, that’s about it,” he added.
With Pakistan requiring 18 runs off the final six deliveries, left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh remained composed under pressure, successfully defending the target. This secured yet another significant victory for India over their arch-rivals on the global platform. Notably, this marked India’s second consecutive win in the tournament, while Pakistan suffered another setback following their unexpected loss to the USA in the opening match.
