India skipper Rohit Sharma praised his team’s never-say-die attitude after they defeated Pakistan by six runs in a low-scoring T20 World Cup 2024 match at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium, New York on Sunday (June 9).
The Men in Blue suffered a mid-innings collapse on a tricky two-paced pitch, resulting in a disappointing total of 119 all-out in 19 overs. Wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant top scored with 42 off 31 balls after being invited to bat under overcast conditions.
In reply, Pakistan were cruising at one stage, needing just 48 runs from as many balls with eight wickets in hand. However, the Indian pace battery, led by Jasprit Bumrah, staged a remarkable comeback and restricted the arch-rivals to 113/7 in 20 overs.
While Bumrah picked up three wickets by conceding only 14 runs in his four overs, Hardik Pandya returned with the exceptional bowling figures of 2/24 in his quota of overs. Mohammed Siraj (0/19 in four overs) was economical with the ball whereas Arshdeep Singh (1/31 in four overs) defended 18 runs in the final over.
Following the win, Rohit commended his players, particularly pace spearhead Bumrah, for their determination and composure under pressure despite a modest total on the board.
"We didn't bat well enough. I thought halfway through, after 10 overs, we were in a good position, you expect guys to stitch partnerships. We were 15-20 runs short, and every run matters. We were looking at 140, but nevertheless the bowlers did the job. It was a good wicket compared to the one we played on here [against Ireland]. There's that never-say-die attitude in the team. Only 119 on the board, and we wanted to make early inroads which we didn't. But at the halfway stage we got together and said if things can happen to us, they can happen to them too. The little contributions from everyone makes the difference," Rohit said at the post-match presentation.
Commenting on Bumrah, the Indian captain categorically stated that he is not going to talk too much about the ace pacer.
"Whoever has the ball wants to make the difference. Bumrah is going from strength to strength. I'm not going to talk too much about him, we want him to be in that kind of mindset till the end of this World Cup, he's a genius with the ball. The crowd was superb, they never disappoint, wherever we play in the world, they come out in huge numbers and support us. They'll be going home with a big smile on their face as well. Just the start of the tournament, we have a long way to go," Rohit added.
This was India’s second successive victory in the ongoing T20 World Cup and they are currently leading the Group A points table.
The Rohit Sharma-led side will next face USA at the same venue on Wednesday (June 12).
