India’s star pacer, Jasprit Bumrah, played a crucial role in India’s resounding seven-wicket victory over Pakistan in the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup. Bumrah’s insightful bowling tactics, including the use of cutters, played a pivotal role in the match as he claimed the wickets of Mohammad Rizwan and Shadab Khan, helping India maintain their unbeaten record in the tournament.
Bumrah revealed that his decision to bowl cutters to Mohammad Rizwan was inspired by observing star spinner Ravindra Jadeja extract some grip from the surface while bowling. Bumrah’s well-planned execution paid off as he deceived Rizwan, who was on the verge of a half-century, with a slow off-cutter that outfoxed the Pakistani batter. In the very next over, Bumrah showcased his skills once again, landing a delivery on the surface that curved in towards Shadab Khan’s off-stump, cleaning up the batsman.
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Speaking during the post-match presentation, Bumrah shared insights into his thought process: “We were bowling in the middle overs, and I saw Jaddu’s [Ravindra Jadeja] ball was turning, not too much but a little bit. I count my slower ball as a spinner’s slower ball, one of those days where it came off.”
He clarified that the delivery that dismissed Shadab Khan wasn’t a leg-cutter but rather a unique instance of the white ball displaying reverse swing. “The little phase where there was reverse swing, one of the occasions when the white ball was reverse swinging,” explained Bumrah.
Analyzing the match conditions and the wicket, Bumrah highlighted the importance of adapting to the situation: “It felt good. Usually, you try to analyze the wicket as soon as possible. We realized the wicket is on the slower side, so we wanted to bowl hard lengths. We were trying to make it as difficult as possible. Just being aware, I guess. I used to ask a lot of questions when I was young, and that helps me now. Now I’m experienced. In my younger days, they (seniors) were used to being troubled by me sometimes (with questions), but it helps to read the wicket and try different options.”
India’s convincing win over Pakistan has solidified their position as a formidable force in the tournament, having secured three consecutive victories. Their next challenge awaits them in the form of Bangladesh, with the match scheduled for October 17 at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Pune.
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