India Defeats Pakistan by Six Runs in Thrilling T20 World Cup Match

In a nail-biting finish, India defeated Pakistan by six runs in their T20 Cricket World Cup match held at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in New York. Despite setting a modest target of 120 runs, India managed to secure a dramatic victory.

Haris Rauf and Naseem Shah shone for Pakistan, each claiming three wickets as India was bowled out for just 119 runs in 19 overs, marking their lowest total in a men’s T20 Cricket World Cup match. The conditions were challenging due to earlier rain.

Chasing the target, Pakistan seemed in control, reaching 73 runs in 12 overs with only two wickets down. However, a sudden collapse ensued, reminiscent of their recent loss to the United States in Texas. Jasprit Bumrah spearheaded India’s resurgence, taking three crucial wickets for just 14 runs. Pakistan required 18 runs in the final over but fell short, ending at 113-7 after 20 overs.

The match was highly anticipated, drawing an estimated global audience of over 400 million. Matches between India and Pakistan are rare, heightening the excitement. Demand for tickets was overwhelming, with resale prices soaring to between $600 and $1200. The stadium was packed with an official attendance of 34,028, predominantly Indian supporters who celebrated Bumrah’s decisive performance.

India's captain Rohit Sharma acknowledged the team’s batting struggles but praised their resilience and the crowd’s support. “We didn’t bat well enough,” Sharma admitted. “But the bowlers did the job. There was enough in the pitch, and our bowling line-up made us feel confident. It is the never-say-die attitude in the team.”

He also lauded Bumrah as “a genius with the ball” and expressed hope for continued support from Indian fans. “The crowd was superb,” he said. “They always come out in huge support, wherever we play in the world.”

The victory significantly boosts India’s chances of qualifying for the Super Eight phase. They need just one win from their upcoming matches against the USA and Canada to ensure progression. The USA also requires one more win from their games against Ireland and India to advance, marking their debut in the T20 World Cup.