India scored 119 in 19 overs, where as Pakistan scored 113/7 in 20 overs.
So, finally India beat Pakistan by 6 runs.
India came from behind to defend 119 – their lowest-ever defended total in a T20I – securing their second win of the T20 World Cup 2024.
Meanwhile, Pakistan, the runners-up of the previous edition, now face the grim prospect of a first-round exit after their second successive loss.
The pitch at New York’s Nassau County International Stadium once again proved unfriendly for big-hitting, putting the spotlight on the bowlers in this low-scoring thriller.
What made the difference?
The middle overs spell by Hardik Pandya and Jasprit Bumrah, where they not only tightened the scoring but also took crucial wickets, gradually swung the game in India’s favor.
Mohammad Rizwan and Fakhar Zaman started Pakistan’s innings with 16 runs off 19 balls before Pandya had Zaman caught behind, triggering a massive collapse.
Pakistan managed only 40 runs from the last 46 balls, with Bumrah delivering a stellar performance, finishing with figures of 3-14 and earning his second Man of the Match award in as many games.
India’s bowlers collectively choked Pakistan in the final overs.
Toss: Babar Azam opted to bowl first under overcast conditions on a historically bowler-friendly pitch.
Power play: India move riskily after losing openers
IND: 50/2 (RR: 8.33; 5x4s, 2x6s)
Despite a rain delay, no overs were lost.
Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma started aggressively, but the tricky pitch led to their early dismissals.
Kohli fell chasing a wide delivery, while Rohit was caught trying an extravagant flick.
India then promoted Axar Patel to partner Rishabh Pant, and despite some lucky edges, they managed to score 50 runs inside the power play.
Middle overs: Amir, Naseem catch India unawares
IND: 47/5 (RR: 5.11; 6x4s, 0x6s)
India’s middle order collapsed, losing four wickets for eight runs and falling to 97/7 by the 15th over.
Rishabh Pant provided some momentum with boundaries off Haris Rauf but the pitch made shot-making difficult.
Axar Patel, Surya kumar Yadav, Shivam Dube, Pant, and Ravindra Jadeja all fell to catches, with Amir and Naseem capitalizing on India’s poor shot selection.
Death overs: India spiral down further
IND: 22/3 in 4 overs (RR: 5.50; 2x4s, 0x6s)
Hardik Pandya, India’s last recognized batter, couldn’t salvage the innings, falling to Haris Rauf.
India’s tailenders couldn’t cope with Pakistan’s disciplined bowling, resulting in a modest total.
Pakistan
Powerplay: Pakistan make a watchful start
PAK: 35/1 (RR: 5.83; 2x4s, 1×6)
Pakistan began cautiously, with Mohammad Rizwan playing defensively and Babar Azam departing after edging Bumrah.
Despite early lives given to both batters, Pakistan reached 35 in the powerplay.
Middle overs: India keep Pakistan in check
PAK: 48/3 (RR: 5.33; 4x4s, 1×6)
Rizwan’s steady knock of 31 off 44 balls helped prevent a collapse but did not accelerate the scoring.
Fakhar Zaman’s brief aggressive stint ended with his dismissal by Pandya, and Bumrah bowled Rizwan with a delivery that kept low, creating a turning point in the match.
Death overs: Pakistan lose the plot as India squeeze out boundaries
PAK: 30/3 (RR: 6.00; 2x4s, 0x6s)
Imad Wasim managed only 15 off 23 balls in a crucial phase.
India’s bowlers kept things tight, with Iftikhar Ahmed missing out on scoring opportunities and eventually getting caught off a full toss.
Pakistan’s innings faltered under pressure, unable to chase down the target on a challenging surface.
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