Team India registered a thrilling win over Pakistan in the ongoing T20 World Cup.
Crucial Catches DroppedI
ndia missed significant opportunities to dismiss Pakistan’s key batsmen early. Mohammad Rizwan and Babar Azam, Pakistan’s reliable opening pair, were given lifelines. In the second over, Mohammad Siraj’s attempt to run out Rizwan ended up hitting him on the forearm instead. Rizwan, visibly upset, continued to play.
He later flicked a ball from Jasprit Bumrah to fine leg, where Shivam Dube dropped a simple catch. Soon after, Babar Azam’s powerful shot back at Siraj was also dropped, as Siraj couldn’t react quickly enough. These missed chances allowed Pakistan to maintain their pursuit, even on a difficult batting pitch.
Rohit’s Brilliant Six
Rohit Sharma displayed his skill with a remarkable six off Shaheen Afridi, despite challenging conditions with overcast skies and unpredictable bounce on the New York pitch. Expecting the ball to swing in slightly, Rohit executed a graceful, stylish swat-pick-up that sent the ball flying over square-leg, delighting Indian fans. This shot was a testament to Rohit’s class and precision, marking it as one of his most memorable sixes.
Flexible Batting Strategy
India showed adaptability in their batting order, especially after losing both openers early. Recognizing the importance of the first 10 overs on this tricky pitch, India promoted Axar Patel to No. 4, ahead of more experienced batsmen like Suryakumar Yadav and Hardik Pandya. This strategic move aimed to disrupt the bowlers by bringing in a left-handed batsman early, a departure from their usual tactics.
Pant’s Unconventional Firepower
Rishabh Pant, batting at No. 3, brought much-needed aggression with his unconventional shot-making. Facing Haris Rauf, Pant struck three consecutive fours, including an impressive extra cover drive. He also skillfully dispatched a leg-side delivery and reverse swept Imad Wasim for another boundary.
Although Pant’s innings included several near-misses with edges and mishits, he provided glimpses of his potential before being caught by Mohammad Amir after an attempted straight hit. Pant’s performance added firepower but was cut short before he could fully capitalize.
Bumrah’s Game-Changing Overs
Jasprit Bumrah’s four-over spell was pivotal in India’s defense of their total. Just as he had done in the previous World Cup, Bumrah disrupted Pakistan’s chase. Utilizing the pitch’s conditions, he bowled with precision, targeting the seam and forcing Pakistani batsmen into risky horizontal shots.
This strategy led to Mohammad Rizwan’s dismissal, who lost his stumps attempting a wild slog. In the 19th over, Bumrah’s slow deliveries maintained the pressure, culminating in Iftikhar’s wicket off a full-toss. His disciplined bowling ensured Pakistan struggled in what should have been a straightforward chase.
The Lucky Flick
Rohit Sharma has often been targeted aggressively by Pakistan’s bowlers from the outset, as seen in previous tournaments like the 2019 World Cup and Asia Cup. On Sunday, despite initially flicking Shaheen Afridi for a six, Rohit’s luck ran out when he was caught at deep square leg after another flick attempt. This catch marked a rare moment where Pakistan’s new ball strategy against Rohit succeeded.
Fans’ Reactions
Fans were ecstatic about India’s performance and particularly vocal about several players. Rishabh Pant’s unconventional and aggressive batting style, though brief, excited fans and showcased his potential to disrupt any bowling attack. Rohit Sharma’s elegant six off Shaheen Afridi was lauded for its brilliance under pressure, further cementing his reputation as a top-class batsman.
Arshdeep Singh, though not highlighted in the match summary, continued to garner praise for his consistent performances and promising future. Jasprit Bumrah’s exceptional spell, which was crucial in securing the victory, earned him widespread admiration and reinforced his status as a world-class bowler. Overall, the fans’ reactions reflected their joy and pride in the team’s collective efforts and individual brilliance.
No JASPRIT BUMRAH fan will go past without liking this post. #INDvsPAK pic.twitter.com/ERwIsErCJ2
— Mumbai Indians FC (@MIPaltanFamily) June 9, 2024
Death bowling yesterday from #TeamIndia 🇮🇳 was extraordinary..99 out of 💯 times the chasing team would've won this but Boom @Jaspritbumrah93 had other ideas
— Sivaram G (@sivaramkrish13) June 10, 2024
🥵🔥#INDvsPAK #T20WC24 pic.twitter.com/C1KvFgYOO7
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Pakistani girl wearing Virat Kohli's pendant despite him being their biggest nightmare pic.twitter.com/PZCqjSWLr9
— Pari (@BluntIndianGal) June 9, 2024
Virat Kohli with Gary Kirsten. 🫂 pic.twitter.com/ADjwrX1mRp
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) June 9, 2024
KOHLI with bat in 2022 T20I WC vs Pakistan.
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) June 9, 2024
BUMRAH with ball in 2024 T20I WC vs Pakistan. pic.twitter.com/DKFhgsM8OQ
The bond between Kohli – Siraj is way too pure, Siraj follows him everywhere 😂❤️ pic.twitter.com/cTgNfj4PX1
— Yashvi (@BreatheKohli) June 9, 2024
𝗧𝗵𝗲𝘆 𝗸𝗻𝗲𝘄 𝗶𝘁 😂
— CricTracker (@Cricketracker) June 9, 2024
Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma's reaction during Pakistan fielders giving overthrows in the first innings.
📸: Disney + Hotstar#INDvPAK pic.twitter.com/h6YbANfyU2
Virat Kohli the batter
— Pari (@BluntIndianGal) June 9, 2024
Hardik Pandya the all rounder
Bumrah the bowler
Rishabh Pant the keeper
The pillers of Team India 🇮🇳❤️ pic.twitter.com/EAfovfhfFw
When someone asks you who is Captain Rohit Sharma
— Ansh Shah (@asmemesss) June 9, 2024
Show them this picture pic.twitter.com/N2J5rjO2ru
Irfan Pathan in commentary: 🗣️
— ANSHUMAN🚩 (@AvengerReturns) June 9, 2024
" Haven't seen any Indian captain defending 120 vs Pakistan ever. Rohit Sharma's stature as captain has gone up so high after this win."#INDvsPAK pic.twitter.com/3llF1RV4AZ
Rohit Sharma appreciating the efforts of Naseem.
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) June 9, 2024
– Nice gesture by the Captain 🌟 pic.twitter.com/7Bf9OdnrSx
The bond between the captain and the Vice Captain – Hardik and Rohit. 🫂 ❤️ pic.twitter.com/EcyvK1NwBg
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) June 9, 2024
INDIA DEFENDED 119 RUNS AGAINST PAKISTAN….!!!!!! 🇮🇳
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) June 9, 2024
– A HISTORIC COMEBACK BY ROHIT & HIS BOYS. 🔥 pic.twitter.com/5SOT6moAIO
Rohit Sharma said "When we were in the half of the 2nd innings, we told, if our batting can collapse then there can too (Smiles)". pic.twitter.com/Jm66NHBUYn
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) June 9, 2024
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