India’s gun fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah revealed he tried to hit the seam as much as he could after leading the team to an emphatic six-run win against arch-rivals Pakistan at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium, New York on Sunday.
India was bowled out for a below-par score of 119 after they were put into bat by Babar Azam. There was moisture in the pitch after continuous rain and Pakistan bowlers were able to make the most of the favorable conditions.
However, the sun baked down after the rain interruption and there wasn’t much swing on offer for the Indian bowlers in the second essay. Thus, it was crucial for Bumrah and Co. to hit the right areas as they were defending a low total.
Bumrah was right on the money as he got rid of Pakistan captain Babar Azam with Suryakumar Yadav taking a good catch at slip. The Indian pack leader had Mohammad Rizwan dropped on his bowling by Shivam Dube at deep fine-leg when Pakistan’s wicket-keeper was only on seven. However, Bumrah removed Rizwan with an incoming delivery on the first ball of his second spell.
The ace pacer also accounted for Iftikhar Ahmed with a low full toss and returned with match-winning figures of 3-14 in his quota of four overs. Bumrah was awarded Player of the Match for his outstanding bowling performance.
Bumrah said after the win, “It feels really good. We felt we were a little under and the wicket got a little better after the sun came out. We were really disciplined so it feels good. Tried to hit the seam as much as I could, tried to be as clear as I could with my execution and it all came out well so I felt happy. Felt like we were playing in India, really happy with the support and that gives us energy on the field. We focus on the now. We’ve played two games and played really well. You stick to your processes and look to play well.”
India will next take on the USA at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium, New York on Wednesday.