NEW DELHI: After India's tense six-run victory over Pakistan in the
T20 World Cup
, former cricketer
Sanjay Manjrekar
commended
Jasprit Bumrah
for his exceptional performance while subtly criticizing the Indian media's focus on
Virat Kohli
.
Despite India posting their lowest-ever total against Pakistan in T20 World Cup history - 119 - Bumrah's stellar bowling turned the tide in India's favor.
T20 World Cup Schedule | Points Table
Bumrah's match-winning spell saw him claim three wickets for just 14 runs, dismantling Pakistan's batting lineup and ensuring India's narrow victory. Manjrekar lauded Bumrah's efforts, pointing out how the pacer has been instrumental for India while the media often focuses on Kohli.
"While Indian media obsesses over Virat & Co, Jasprit Bumrah quietly wins games for India single-handedly. By far the best player in the Indian team & has been for a while now. #JaspritBumrah #ICCT20WC," Manjrekar wrote on X.
Kohli, who has been India's standout batter in previous clashes against Pakistan, had a rare poor performance, scoring only 4 runs. Manjrekar's comments highlighted Bumrah's consistent contributions, especially in high-pressure situations.
In the match, India's batting unit struggled on a challenging two-paced track. However, Bumrah's brilliance with the ball was complemented by
Hardik Pandya
, who, despite failing with the bat, delivered crucial bowling figures of 2/24, helping India restrict Pakistan to 113 for seven in 20 overs.
Bumrah's penultimate over was particularly decisive, as he conceded just three runs and took the vital wicket of Iftikhar Ahmed, leaving Pakistan needing 18 runs off the final over.
Arshdeep Singh
then successfully defended the target, sealing the win for India.
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