India’s match-winner Jasprit Bumrah credited his team’s composure and lack of panic for their six-run win over Pakistan in the T20 World Cup on Sunday.
India could only manage 119 on the difficult New York course and Pakistan fought back cautiously, but Bumrah provided the crucial breakthrough for the favourites.
Bumrah picked up some big wickets at crucial moments, including Pakistan’s top scorer Mohammad Rizwan, who took 3 for 14. Rizwan patiently scored 31 off 44 balls and looked set to be the match winner until he was clean bowled by Bumrah.
“The best thing for us was that it was calm as we had a lot of support while we were batting in the morning,” Bumrah said, pointing out that the rainy and damp weather before the match turned sunny by the afternoon.
“Then, when we started pitching, the sky opened up, the ball wasn’t seaming, there wasn’t much lateral movement. So we just had to be more consistent and accurate. And as a team, we were very calm and very clear about what we wanted to do. I’m very happy that we were able to contribute as a team, apply pressure and get the win,” he said.
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Bumrah said he has learnt over time that in situations where the pitch offers some conduciveness, it is still important not to be too aggressive in intent.
“Experience certainly helps a little bit in that regard, because if you have help you can always get excited and try your hand at pole hunting or throwing a bouncer or throwing an outswinger or an inswinger, but you don’t have to,” he said.
“We have learnt it through experience, but this time the ball didn’t work as much. Yes, we were pressing, we had a little bit of lateral movement but not too much. It wasn’t as noticeable as in the last game,” he said.
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Bumrah has been in good form in the IPL, having led his side to a 2-6 defeat to Ireland in their Group A opener before Sunday’s match.
But Bumrah, who struggled with injuries last year, said he was quick to remember that opinions can change amid the glowing praise.
“A year ago, the same people were saying maybe I wouldn’t play again, that my career was over. But I’m not thinking about that. I’m trying to solve the problems in front of me and control what I can control,” he said.
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“I was just trying to focus on what is the best option on a wicket like this. How can I make the shots difficult? What is the best option for me? That way, I was trying to stay present and focus on what I have to do, because if I look at the outside noise, if I look at people, if I let the pressure and emotions take over, things will not go well for me,” he said.
This was an approach the team took collectively despite the immense pressure that comes with expectations for the Indian team, especially against Pakistan, Bumrah said.
“At no stage did I sense there was any panic within the team or thinking too far ahead, so it’s a really positive sign,” he said.
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