(ANI Photo)
Sunil Gavaskar was visibly angered by Mohammed Siraj’s no-ball incident during India’s victory over Pakistan in the T20 World Cup group stage match.
Under immense pressure, Team India delivered a stellar performance to clinch a six-run victory over arch-rivals Pakistan in New York. Despite being dismissed for a mere 119 runs with an over still left, the Indian bowlers staged a remarkable comeback, limiting their opponents to just 113/7 in 20 overs, securing a second consecutive win in the tournament.
India’s batting display fell below expectations, with Rishabh Pant emerging as the top scorer with 42 runs. Despite Pakistan making a steady start and reaching 57/1 halfway through their innings, the team faltered as Jasprit Bumrah (3/14), Hardik Pandya (2/24), and Axar Patel (1/11) showcased exceptional bowling performances, orchestrating a remarkable comeback for India.
Bumrah, awarded the player of the match, delivered a crucial breakthrough by dismissing the formidable Mohammad Rizwan in the 15th over, significantly denting Pakistan’s aspirations. Nonetheless, India encountered a momentary setback when Mohammed Siraj, bowling in the 17th over, delivered a no-ball at a pivotal juncture in the match.
As Pakistan needed 29 runs from just 17 deliveries, Siraj’s overstepping handed an advantage to the under-pressure batsman Iftikhar Ahmed, who had just arrived at the crease. Sunil Gavaskar, the former India captain, who was providing commentary during the match, expressed his frustration at Siraj’s infringement.
“Unforgivable. Professional cricketers, whatever you are, you cannot bowl a no-ball. It is in your control. Wide balls are not always in your control but no-ball is. Unprofessional, unacceptable at this level. No excuses whatsoever,” an irate Gavaskar said on air.
Despite Siraj’s overstepping, it didn’t significantly impact India’s position as he conceded only two runs off the resulting free hit. While Pakistan managed to score 9 runs off his over, Siraj maintained an economical bowling spell, recording figures of 0/19 in his full quota of four overs. He stood as the lone bowler to complete all four overs without taking a wicket. Ravindra Jadeja, another bowler who remained wicketless, bowled only two overs, conceding 10 runs.
Bumrah Shines Bright:
Bumrah’s stellar performance proved pivotal in restricting Pakistan in New York, yet India’s captain, Rohit Sharma, aimed for consistent brilliance from his lethal weapon throughout the T20 World Cup campaign.
Bumrah showcased brilliance in India’s nail-biting six-run triumph, boasting figures of 3/14 in four overs and an impressive tally of 15 dot balls while defending a meager total of 119—the lowest defended score in T20 World Cup history. This victory further extends India’s dominance over Pakistan to a commanding 7-1 record in T20 World Cups.
