Cricket

Pakistan's disappointing loss to India in the Asia Cup has been attributed to poor decision-making, according to coach Gary Kirsten. Despite having the upper hand for much of the match, Pakistan faltered in the final overs, allowing India to snatch victory.Kirsten acknowledged that the target of 120 was challenging, but he believed Pakistan had the game in control at 72 for 2 with six overs remaining. However, a series of poor decisions cost them dearly."Decision-making," Kirsten emphasized. "Maybe not so great decision making. You have got the game on, run a ball, eight wickets in hand, decision making at that point. That's the game. That's international cricket for you. You make mistakes like that, you are going to pay."Mohammad Rizwan's dismissal, trying to slog the first ball of a new Jasprit Bumrah spell, proved pivotal. Bumrah, who won his second Player-of-the-Match award in two matches, commended the calmness shown by India's bowling unit despite the easing batting conditions."The biggest positive for us was the calmness because when we were batting in the morning, there was a lot more help," Bumrah said. "And when we started bowling, the skies cleared up and the ball stopped seaming and there wasn't a lot of lateral movement. So, we had to be more consistent and more accurate and we as a unit were very calm and very clear on what we wanted to do."Bumrah emphasized the importance of staying focused and avoiding emotional distractions. "I was trying to focus on what is the best option over here on a wicket like this," he said. "How do I make shot-making difficult? What are the best options for me? So that way, I try to stay in the present and focus on what I have to do."Kirsten acknowledged that Pakistan's chances of reaching the Super 8s now depend on other teams' results. However, he stressed the need for significant improvement in their performance."We had that game for 35 of the 40 overs," Kirsten said. "We played good cricket, we did everything we needed to."Kirsten admitted that he needs time to understand the players and get the best out of them. "Everyone's responsible," he said. "We accept the loss and we take the heat because the team has not done well. And we will do what we can to try and rectify it."

India's Triumph Over Pakistan: A Tale of Joy and HeartbreakIn a gripping encounter at Nassau County Stadium in New York, India emerged victorious over Pakistan in their seventh T20 World Cup clash, igniting jubilation among Indian fans and leaving Pakistani supporters devastated. The narrow six-run win, powered by Jasprit Bumrah's exceptional three-wicket haul and Rishabh Pant's counter-attacking innings, kept India's World Cup hopes alive with two group stage matches remaining.The match witnessed a record attendance, with fans witnessing a tense battle that ended in a dramatic fashion. Following the match, scenes outside the stadium were a testament to the intense emotions the game evoked. A 'sea of Blue' celebrated with energetic dances to the beats of dhols and loud chants of "India India."Amidst the jubilant Indian fans, a heartbroken Pakistani supporter, who had sold his tractor to buy a $3,000 ticket, stood in disbelief. Speaking to ANI, he shared his disappointment: "I have sold my tractor to get a ticket worth 3000 USD. When we saw the score of India, we did not think that we were going to lose this game. We thought it was an achievable score. The game was in our hands but after Babar Azam got out, people were disheartened. I congratulate you all (Indian fans)."Bumrah's precise bowling applied pressure on the Pakistani batters, complemented by Pant's crucial innings that ensured India set a competitive total. Bumrah's post-match reflections highlighted his lifelong admiration for bowling and his strategic approach to maintain control during critical moments.Meanwhile, back in India, the streets of Indore, Madhya Pradesh, were alive with celebrations. Massive crowds gathered to celebrate the Men in Blue's triumph over their arch-rivals. The air was filled with cheers and the sounds of fireworks as fans thronged the streets to revel in the victory.India's win not only kept their World Cup journey on track but also reinforced the intense rivalry and passion that characterizes India-Pakistan cricket matches. The contrasting emotions among fans—from the ecstatic scenes in New York and Indore to the heartbroken Pakistani supporter—highlight the deep connection and impact of this storied cricket rivalry.

Indian pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah has expressed his long-held admiration for bowling and his disinterest in high-scoring run-fests following India's nail-biting six-run victory over Pakistan in their ICC T20 World Cup clash. Bumrah's stellar performance, featuring a miserly three-wicket haul, played a crucial role in India's defense of their modest total, keeping their World Cup hopes alive with two group stage games remaining.In a packed Nassau County Stadium, Bumrah's precise bowling applied relentless pressure on the Pakistani batters, while Rishabh Pant's counter-attacking knock bolstered India's position. The match, witnessed by a record crowd, highlighted Bumrah's skill and strategic approach to bowling.During the post-match press conference, Bumrah expressed his satisfaction with the recognition the bowlers received for their efforts. He highlighted India's preference for batting and how the recent Indian Premier League season was heavily tilted towards the batters."We are very happy that we did not come here with that baggage (of IPL being batter friendly) and when we are getting help here, we were trying to use it. I have played a lot of cricket in my young years—when the bat and ball challenge is good it is more interesting to watch the match. When it is bat vs bat, I switch off the TV. I have been a fan of bowling since childhood. When there is a challenge between bat and ball, that is the game I like. No complaints. I am very happy," Bumrah said.Reflecting on the victory, Bumrah emphasized the importance of maintaining a balanced approach between controlling the run flow and taking wickets, especially in conditions where seam and swing had diminished. He discussed the need to avoid desperation for a "magic ball" and instead focus on accuracy and utilizing the large boundaries to their advantage."Even when there is help, you can be desperate, and you can try to go fuller and try to pull that magic delivery. I tried not to do that but when we came, the swing and seam had reduced. So, we had to be accurate because if we go for magic deliveries and try to be too desperate, run-making becomes easy and they know the target. So, we had to be very mindful of not overdoing it and yes add up the pressure, use the big boundaries, try to use things to our advantage. That is what we were doing. So, in that we created pressure and everybody got wickets," he explained.Bumrah also opened up about his recovery from injuries last year and his journey back to top form, delivering remarkable performances in the 50-over World Cup, IPL, and now the T20 World Cup. He emphasized his focus on controlling the controllable and staying present, despite external pressures and noise."I try to stay in the present and focus on what I have to do. Because if I look at the outside noise, if I look at people and pressure and emotion take over, then things do not really work for me. So, I was trying to do that, trying to create my own bubble, and trying to focus on that and try to put my best foot forward," Bumrah added.He appreciated the support from the largely Indian and Asian crowd at the Nassau County Stadium, which made the team feel at home and boosted their energy levels."A lot of emotion does come in and it does not feel like we are not playing in India because the support that we get, wherever we go, we get a lot of support and fans come in large numbers. So that does help with the energy part of the setup that we have. So yeah, very happy with the support and we were happy that we were able to give them a win as well," he said.

India's stunning six-run victory over Pakistan in New York marked a remarkable comeback and secured their place in the Super-8s of the T20 World Cup. Despite a disastrous start, the Indian team rallied behind exceptional bowling performances to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat.After losing the toss and being dismissed for a meager 119, India's hopes seemed bleak. However, Pakistan's promising start of 80-4 in the 15th over was abruptly halted by Jasprit Bumrah's brilliance. His dismissal of Mohammed Rizwan ignited a spark in the Indian bowlers, who chipped in with crucial wickets.Axar Patel and Hardik Pandya played pivotal roles, removing Shadab Khan and restricting Pakistan's scoring. The match reached its climax in the 19th over, with Pakistan needing 21 runs and Bumrah back in action. The champion bowler delivered, bowling back of the length and preventing Ifthikar Ahmed and Imad Wasim from connecting.Earlier, India's batting had faltered after a promising start. Rishabh Pant's gutsy 42 and partnerships with Axar Patel and Suryakumar Yadav had given India hope. However, the pitch's two-paced nature exposed India's batting weaknesses.Haris Rauf's dismissal of Suryakumar Yadav triggered a collapse, with India losing seven wickets for 28 runs. Shivam Dube's poor form continued, while Mohammed Amir's comeback was marked by a brilliant spell that included the wickets of Pant and Ravindra Jadeja.Despite the batting debacle, India's bowlers rose to the occasion. Bumrah's exceptional performance, supported by Arshdeep Singh's crucial runs, proved decisive. The victory was a testament to India's resilience and the fighting spirit that has characterized their recent performances.

Former Indian off-spinner Harbhajan Singh has identified Suryakumar Yadav as a potential game-changer for India in the ongoing Men's T20 World Cup. Despite a modest performance in India's opening match against Ireland, Yadav's impressive T20I record, with 2,143 runs in 61 matches, including four centuries and 17 fifties, makes him a formidable force.Harbhajan believes Yadav's ability to score quickly and consistently can be crucial for India's success. "He is someone who could be a game-changer for India throughout this tournament," Harbhajan said. "Even though he didn't get going the other day, when he plays those 10 or 15 balls, he will probably score those winning runs for team India."Other former Indian cricketers have also highlighted the importance of key players in the team. Navjot Singh Sidhu has picked fast-bowling spearhead Jasprit Bumrah as his key player, while Lakshmipathy Balaji has included both Bumrah and wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant.Bumrah, who was adjudged Player of the Match in India's win over Ireland, is known for his economical bowling and ability to take wickets at crucial moments. Pant, on the other hand, has shown his aggressive batting style in the top order, scoring 52 in the warm-up game against Bangladesh and 36 not out in the tournament opener against Ireland.Balaji believes Pant's aggressive approach and Bumrah's bowling prowess make them vital assets for India. "For me, as Rishabh Pant has shown, that kind of aggressive option in the top order, that is probably going to little bit take on the opposition with a number of aggressive options," Balaji said. "At the same time, Bumrah (too is a key player for India)."As India prepares for their highly-anticipated clash against Pakistan on Sunday, the team will be looking to their key players to deliver and guide them to victory. Yadav's ability to score quickly, Bumrah's economical bowling, and Pant's aggressive batting could prove to be decisive factors in India's quest for T20 World Cup glory.

Pakistan's all-rounder Fawad Alam has highlighted the significance of neutralizing the impact of Indian stalwarts Virat Kohli and Jasprit Bumrah in their upcoming high-stakes T20 World Cup encounter on Sunday. A victory against their arch-rivals is crucial for Babar Azam's team to regain momentum in the tournament.The contrasting starts to the competition for the two sides have set the stage for an intriguing clash. India commenced their campaign with a commanding eight-wicket triumph over Ireland, while Pakistan suffered a stunning defeat against co-hosts USA, with the match being decided in a dramatic Super Over.Alam, who has represented Pakistan in 19 Tests, 38 ODIs, and 24 T20Is, emphasized the need for left-arm pacer Mohammad Amir to deliver a match-turning performance against India, similar to his burst against them in the Champions Trophy final 2017. He also expressed confidence in captain Babar Azam, who has a decent record against India.Despite Amir's ordinary Super Over against the USA, Alam warned against writing him off, stating that he remains Pakistan's best and most experienced bowler. However, Alam acknowledged that losing to the USA was unacceptable and that Pakistan would feel pressure against India.Alam also expressed concerns about Pakistan's lack of good spin options, particularly with Imad Wasim's injury and Shadab Khan's poor form. He noted that India's bowling attack, featuring Bumrah, Mohammad Siraj, and Kuldeep Yadav, poses a significant threat.The left-arm spinner also criticized the International Cricket Council (ICC) for not inspecting the drop-in pitch in New York well in advance of the tournament. He questioned why games were not hosted in Dallas or Florida, where the wickets were better prepared.

India's star all-rounder Hardik Pandya has expressed immense confidence in the team's bowling unit, led by Jasprit Bumrah, ahead of the T20 World Cup. Pandya believes that the bowlers' experience, intensity, and integrity will be crucial to their success in the tournament.India kicked off their campaign with an eight-wicket victory over Ireland on a challenging pitch that provided variable bounce and extra seam movement. Pandya highlighted the team's collective experience of 892 T20 games, particularly in the bowling department."We have someone like Jasprit Bumrah, who is the number one bowler by far. We have (Mohammed) Siraj, who has been tremendous in recent years," Pandya said. "We have Arshdeep, who has played the last two World Cups and has been quite fantastic."Pandya also praised the team's honesty and integrity within the bowling core group, which he believes will be a key factor in their success. The seam-bowling all-rounder expressed his delight at starting the tournament with a victory, emphasizing the importance of rhythm and momentum.Batting coach Vikram Rathour revealed that Hardik is prepared to bowl four overs in a single match, despite his recent injury concerns. Pandya, however, remains focused on the task at hand and is determined to contribute to the team's success."Everything falls into place for people who work hard," Pandya said. "I just went, bowled a lot of overs, batted a lot of balls, so in that scenario you realize your potential slowly."Pandya is eagerly anticipating India's high-profile clash against Pakistan on Sunday. He believes that the team will approach the match with discipline and a collective goal of "hunting."

India's Pace Spearhead Dilemma: Who Will Partner Jasprit Bumrah?As India prepares for their T20 World Cup 2024 opener against Ireland, the team management faces a crucial decision: who will partner pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah? While the debate surrounding India's opener combination has dominated headlines, the choice of Bumrah's bowling partner is equally important.Former Australia pacer Glenn McGrath believes that Mitchell Starc and Bumrah will be the players to watch out for in the tournament. Australia boasts an experienced pace attack with Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood alongside Starc, while Mitchell Marsh provides additional bowling depth.India, on the other hand, has Mohammed Siraj and Arshdeep Singh as the other two frontline pacers in their squad. Hardik Pandya and Shivam Dube offer pace-bowling all-round options. McGrath suggests that while Bumrah will be instrumental to India's chances, someone must contribute with the ball to ease the load on him."Bumrah just seems to be the one bowler that batters find it hard, even in T20s, to get on top of," McGrath said. "So, I think if Australia is to win this World Cup, Starc has to bowl well. A lot of it relies on him. And Bumrah for India, but then it is who's going to take wickets around Bumrah and who's going to bowl well around him."McGrath believes that Arshdeep is a better partner for Bumrah than Siraj. "You got Jasprit Bumrah. He showed just how good he is throughout the IPL. But it is like having a left-right opening combination for batters. It also depends on how they are bowling. In T20s, you do not have much time to be ready. If you take an over or two to warm up, the game is already over. If you have got a good opening-bowling combination, that is where you are going to win matches."Bumrah was the standout performer for Mumbai Indians in their IPL 2024 campaign, despite the franchise's poor performance. India will need Bumrah to continue his impressive form and for someone to step up as his reliable partner in the T20 World Cup.

Jasprit Bumrah's Maiden Masterclass Sets New T20I RecordIndia's pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah made a resounding start to his T20 World Cup 2024 campaign, etching his name in the record books with a remarkable feat against Ireland.In the Group A encounter at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in New York, Bumrah's exceptional bowling prowess was on full display. Introduced into the attack in the fifth over, he delivered a maiden, surpassing Bhuvneshwar Kumar's world record for the most maidens bowled by a player from a Test-playing nation in T20 Internationals.With this achievement, Bumrah's tally of maidens in T20Is has reached 11, setting a new benchmark for bowlers from full member nations in the shortest format of international cricket. Only two bowlers have bowled more maidens than Bumrah in T20Is: Frank Nsubuga from Uganda with 15 and Shem Ngoche from Kenya with 14.Bumrah's maiden was a testament to his exceptional control and accuracy. He consistently hit the right areas, troubling the Irish batsmen with his pace, swing, and seam movement. His performance was a key factor in India's comprehensive victory, as Ireland were restricted to a meager 96 runs.The Indian quartet of fast bowlers, including Arshdeep Singh, Mohammed Siraj, and Hardik Pandya, were simply menacing on a pitch offering variable bounce and seam movement. They dismantled the Irish batting lineup, giving them no breathing space and exposing their technical deficiencies.Bumrah's record-breaking maiden is a testament to his status as one of the world's premier fast bowlers. His ability to consistently deliver match-winning performances makes him a vital asset for India in their quest for T20 World Cup glory.