(AFP Photo)
Although they didn’t unleash any extraordinary deliveries, their disciplined approach ensured that Pakistan never gained momentum in the chase, which was crucial.
Rohit Sharma refrained from making frantic gestures to reposition his fielders, and senior players didn’t gather around the bowlers after each delivery to provide counsel on their next move.
In situations where there are only 119 runs to defend, the final overs often descend into chaos with extended discussions that can potentially cloud the judgment of the bowlers as they prepare to deliver. However, at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium against Pakistan on Sunday, India’s six bowlers remained composed and unfazed by the pressure. The result was a meticulously executed performance that saw India limit Pakistan to 113/7 in 20 overs, securing a six-run victory in a Group A encounter of the T20 World Cup.
In typical scenarios where a team defends a low-scoring total, the emphasis often lies on securing early wickets to create momentum. However, in this particular game, the pitch didn’t favor such aggressive tactics. Instead, it demanded a patient approach focused on attrition. The bowling unit’s strategy revolved around building pressure consistently and avoiding conceding easy boundaries, rather than relying on quick breakthroughs.
India’s bowlers, well-versed in handling high-pressure situations thanks to their extensive experience in the IPL, operated with remarkable cohesion and executed their strategies with precision. Leading the pack was Jasprit Bumrah, who once again showcased his dominance with a composed performance, ending with figures of 4-0-14-3. Unlike the 1990s and early 2000s when Pakistan boasted a formidable pace bowling lineup, it’s Bumrah who now commands attention as the standout figure in the fast-bowling realm.
However, Bumrah’s brilliance alone wasn’t sufficient on Sunday, particularly with Pakistan requiring a modest run rate of just six per over at the start of their chase. Arshdeep Singh, Mohammed Siraj, Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, and Ravindra Jadeja all played crucial roles. Together, they ensured that India successfully defended the joint-lowest total in T20 World Cup history.
The sluggish pitch, not typically conducive to T20 cricket, favored the bowlers from both sides throughout the match. Despite India reaching 81/3 in their initial ten overs, Pakistan’s bowlers managed to stage a comeback and limit them to 119. However, considering Pakistan had the advantage of batting second, they should have been able to select specific bowlers and moments to exploit.
Pakistan, however, couldn’t capitalize on this advantage. Although India’s bowlers didn’t conjure any extraordinary deliveries, their steadfast discipline was instrumental in preventing Pakistan from gaining momentum in the chase. Initially, Arshdeep’s first over didn’t quite set the tone, with Mohammad Rizwan and Babar Azam capitalizing on drivable deliveries outside off, resulting in three runs each on a sluggish outfield. However, it didn’t take long for all of India’s bowlers to realize that they didn’t need to force wickets but rather maintain pressure.
Bumrah epitomized this approach, consistently pitching the ball at a challenging length, leaving Babar Azam uncertain whether to play or leave. Eventually, Babar opted to play the delivery, only to edge it to Suryakumar Yadav at slip, much to his frustration. This aspect defines Bumrah’s bowling prowess—he doesn’t rely on elusive deliveries but consistently delivers them. Mohammed Siraj provided valuable support in building pressure during the early overs, maintaining an impressive opening spell of 3-0-10-0. According to data from CricViz, India’s pacers delivered 30% of their deliveries on a hard length, a significantly higher proportion than Pakistan’s 17%.
“Even when there is help, you can be desperate, and you can try to go fuller and try to pull that magic delivery,” Bumrah told reporters after the match. “I tried not to do that but when we came, the swing and seam had reduced. So, we had to be accurate because if we go for magic deliveries and try to be too desperate, run-making becomes easy and they know the target. So, we had to be very mindful of not overdoing it and yes add up pressure, use the big boundaries, try to use things to our advantage. That is what we were doing. So, in that we created pressure, and everybody got wickets.”
The combined effort from India’s bowlers appeared to pressure Pakistan into making hasty decisions. By the 14th over, Pakistan stood at 80/3, needing 40 runs off 36 balls, with Rizwan still at the crease. The situation demanded Rizwan, who had taken 43 balls to reach 31, to anchor the innings while allowing other Pakistani batsmen to play aggressively. However, Rizwan opted for a high-risk slog across the line, defying logic, and missed the ball, resulting in Bumrah claiming his second wicket.
Pandya’s role as the fourth seamer was equally crucial on the day. Although he is technically India’s sixth bowling option, reserved for instances when one of the primary bowlers underperforms, Rohit recognized Pandya’s effectiveness on this pitch. Consequently, Rohit strategically deployed Pandya in four one-over spells. Pandya validated this decision by conceding only 24 runs in his four overs and dismissing Fakhar Zaman and Shadab Khan. Renowned for his ability to vary lengths and pace, Pandya’s bowling speeds ranged from 114.1km/h to 139.9km/h.
India’s strong showing in this match will undoubtedly instill a significant amount of confidence, especially following an IPL season characterized by predominantly flat pitches that often left bowlers struggling.
“Obviously, the IPL that we played was not very bowler-friendly but we are very happy that we didn’t come here with that baggage. When we are getting help here, we are trying to use it. When the bat and ball challenge is good, it is more interesting to watch the match. When it’s bat vs bat, I switch off the TV,” Bumrah said matter-of-factly.
Despite the challenges some of India’s bowlers faced during the IPL, this aspect of their game has proven reliable recently. In the previous year’s ODI World Cup held in India, the bowling unit led by Bumrah frequently made the decisive impact in matches, often being the differentiating factor between winning and losing. A similar scenario could unfold again if the pitches maintain their current characteristics.
