India and Pakistan, one of the oldest rivalries in the history of cricket, witnessed yet another thrilling encounter between the two sides in the T20 World Cup 2024. On the uneven track of New York, India went on to defend one of the lowest totals in the history of the World Cup.
India were put to the test first in a rain-affected T20 game on the unpredictable pitch of Nassau County. Pakistan started to dominate soon, with the four fast bowlers striking at regular intervals. India’s most experienced duo, skipper Rohit and veteran Kohli, fell early to the Pakistani pacers.
The Indian innings, despite the early storm, did not lose their momentum as Pant and Axar fought well and gave India a fair start of 80 runs in the first 10 overs. Pakistan players Rauf, Naseem, and Amir struck as they picked up seven scalps, leaking only 30 runs, ending India’s innings at 119.
Even Pakistan had a firm start, with Rizwan leading from the front. Indian pacer Jasprit Bumrah turned the tables first with the wicket of the Pakistani skipper and later came to provide the biggest breakthrough with Rizwan’s wicket.
ALSO READ: India vs Pakistan Match Report
Alongside him, all-rounder Hardik Pandya also came back strongly and removed the two hard-hitting options, Fakhar Zaman and Shadab Khan. At a stage, the required run rate rose as high as 10 when Siraj and Bumrah bowled stunningly and restricted them to a 12 run in 2 overs. Arshdeep removed Imad early, and India secured the match with an unthinkable effort from the Indian bowling attack.
With this win, India has now managed to win 7 times against their Asian rivals. India have raised their chances to be in the Super 8 stage of the T20 World Cup, securing two early wins, and alongside them, they have also provided a platform for the United States to also fancy their chances in the Super 8 stage.