Former Indian all-rounder Madan Lal showered praise on the Indian fast bowlers after the team won by four wickets against Pakistan at the iconic MCG on Sunday. The Indian fast bowlers were right on the money as they played a key role in restricting the opposition to 159 runs after Rohit Sharma won the toss and decided to bowl first.
Arshdeep Singh was able to strike on the first ball he bowled as he plumbed Babar Azam with a fine in-swinging delivery in front of the wickets. Singh then accounted for the big wicket of Mohammed Rizwan with a short-pitched delivery.
Subsequently, Iftikhar Ahmed and Shan Masood were able to stitch a fine alliance of 76 runs for Pakistan but India bounced back with the ball once again. Hardik Pandya took three wickets and conceded only 30 runs in the four overs he bowled. Singh also finished with three scalps while Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Mohammed Shami also took one wicket apiece.
In fact, India had come into the T20 World Cup with a lot of pressure on their bowling, especially at the death. However, the Indian pacers were right on the money as they conceded 115 runs in the 16 overs they bowled collectively.
Madan Lal said while talking to Aaj Tak, “Our bowling unit has always raised their bar. They have been exceptional when they bowl in different conditions. Bowling on Indian wickets and bowling there (Australia) is completely different. So they have raised the bar.”
On the other hand, Mohammed Shami made a decent comeback as he snared one wicket and conceded only 25 runs in his four overs. However, Lal feels Shami will take some time to hit the straps in the World Cup.
“I think Mohammed Shami was a bit rusty today. Bowled a very good delivery to get the wicket (of Iftikhar Ahmed) and it was a crucial wicket. If you are playing a game after a long time, then it takes time to get into the groove. To step up in the team again is an additional pressure.”
Indian bowlers did a fine job for Rohit Sharma as they were right on the money. Axar Patel was taken for 21 runs in the solitary over he bowled but Hardik Pandya did a fine job as a sixth bowler.
India will take on the Netherlands on Thursday at the SCG.
