India defends their lowest-ever score in T20Is
In a nail-biting T20 World Cup clash against arch-rivals Pakistan, the Indian cricket team etched their name in history by successfully defending their lowest-ever total in the shortest format. While the star-studded batting lineup faltered on a challenging pitch, the bowlers, led by the indomitable Jasprit Bumrah, stepped up and scripted an unforgettable victory on Sunday.
Bumrah, known for his unwavering composure and lethal precision, was the standout performer for India. The pace spearhead claimed three crucial wickets, conceding a mere 14 runs in his four-over spell, denting Pakistan’s chase from the outset. His impeccable line and length, combined with his ability to extract movement off the surface, proved too hot for the opposition batters to handle.
Collective Bowling Effort
While Bumrah’s heroics stole the limelight, he received invaluable support from the rest of the bowling contingent. Hardik Pandya, the all-rounder extraordinaire, and the young prodigy Arshdeep Singh chipped in with two wickets apiece, maintaining relentless pressure from both ends.
As Pakistan inched closer to the modest target, the tension reached fever pitch. With 18 runs required off the final over, Arshdeep Singh held his nerve, delivering a composed and calculated over that sealed India’s remarkable triumph by a slender margin of 6 runs.
Lowest Totals Defended
This historic victory etched India’s name in the record books as they successfully defended their lowest-ever total in T20 Internationals. The previous lowest score they had successfully guarded was 120 against Pakistan in New York in 2024. Other notable low totals defended by India include 139 against Zimbabwe in Harare (2016) and 145 against England in Nagpur (2017).
On the other hand, Pakistan failed to chase down their second-lowest target in the shortest format, highlighting the immense pressure and quality bowling they faced. The lowest total they have successfully chased against India is 128, achieved in Melbourne back in 2010.
Equaling World Cup Record
India’s remarkable feat also saw them equal the record for the lowest total successfully defended in T20 World Cup history. Sri Lanka had previously defended 120 against New Zealand in Chattogram during the 2014 edition. Other low totals successfully guarded in World Cup matches include Afghanistan’s defense of 124 against the West Indies in Nagpur (2016) and New Zealand’s resilience in holding off India at 127 in the same tournament.
Batting Collapse
While the bowlers basked in glory, the Indian batting lineup endured a forgettable outing. Bundled out for a paltry 119, the star-studded batting order crumbled on a tricky surface, playing some ill-advised shots and gifting their wickets away at regular intervals.
The match, initially interrupted by rain after the first over, saw Virat Kohli depart in an uncharacteristic manner, failing to check his shot and perishing in an attempt to play over point. Skipper Rohit Sharma soon followed, skying a catch to square leg off Shaheen Afridi’s bowling.
Rishabh Pant (42) and Axar Patel (20) tried to resurrect the innings, but their efforts were cut short by poor shot selection. The middle order capitulated under pressure, with the likes of Suryakumar Yadav, Shivam Dube, Hardik Pandya, and Ravindra Jadeja failing to make a substantial impact.
Kohli’s Rare Failure
In a rare instance, Virat Kohli, India’s batting talisman against Pakistan, endured a single-digit score in a T20 World Cup clash against their arch-rivals. The batting maestro, who has been a standout performer in India-Pakistan matches over the past decade, managed just 4 runs, marking his first single-digit score against Pakistan in the T20 World Cup.
Lowest T20I Totals Against Pakistan
India’s total of 119 in this match stands as their lowest T20I score against Pakistan. Previous low totals against their arch-rivals include 133/9 in Bengaluru (2012), 141/9 in Durban (2008), and 148/5 in Dubai (2022). The team’s resilience in defending such a modest total underscores the remarkable bowling effort and the immense pressure they exerted on the opposition batters.
Conclusion
In a match that will be etched in the annals of cricketing history, the Indian bowling unit, spearheaded by Jasprit Bumrah, rose to the occasion and scripted an unforgettable victory. Their ability to defend the lowest-ever total in T20 Internationals against a formidable Pakistan side is a testament to their skill, tenacity, and unwavering spirit. While the batters endured a forgettable outing, the bowlers ensured that their efforts did not go in vain, securing a thrilling win that will be celebrated for years to come.
