India dealt a cruel blow to rivals Pakistan’s T20 World Cup hopes with a thrilling six-run victory in New York.
Billed as one of the clashes of the tournament, the contest delivered as it went down to the final over, Pakistan needing 12 runs from the final two balls but only managing six as they battled valiantly but lost to their old foes once again.
Wickets from Jasprit Bumrah (3-14) and Hardik Pandya (2-24) came at crucial moments as India turned the game on its head after they were bowled out for 119 by Pakistan, Bumrah taking the key wicket of Mohammad Rizwan (31) who was anchoring the innings.
Pakistan won an important toss and chose to bowl which seemed to work to their advantage, Naseem Shah (3-21), Haris Rauf (3-21), and Mohammad Amir (2-21) starring with the ball in hand as they reduced India from 89-3 to 119 all out, just 30 runs coming as seven wickets fell.
However, the Pakistan batting attack fell apart under the pressure and from 72-2 were reduced to 88-5 themselves, unable to find big boundaries in the final overs to seal a big win.
In Group A, India now sit top of the table, with USA in second. Pakistan are now in fourth and are yet to pick up a win. (Sky Sports)
