Former Indian cricketer Irfan Pathan has lauded ace pacer Jasprit Bumrah for his stellar performance against Afghanistan in India’s opening Super 8 match of the T20 World Cup 2024 in Barbados. India set a formidable total of 181 runs in their allotted 20 overs, thanks to a strong batting display.
In response, Afghanistan’s innings was curtailed at 134 runs on the final ball of the 20th over, giving India a comfortable 47-run victory. The Indian pace attack dismantled Afghanistan’s batting lineup, with both bowlers, Jasprit Bumrah and Arshdeep Singh, claiming a three wicket haul each.
Bumrah’s dismissals included the Afghan openers Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Hazratullah Zazai, who were dismissed for 11 and 2 runs respectively, followed by Najibullah Zadran who fell for 19.
Irfan Pathan Lauds Jasprit Bumrah for his magnificent spell against Bangladesh
Speaking to Star Sports after the match, Pathan drew an interesting parallel between Bumrah and the Reserve Bank of India, underscoring Bumrah’s reliability. “He is like the Reserve Bank of India. He is absolutely safe. You expect him to perform in any situation when he bowls his four overs. He sets up the game. Twelve runs were conceded in the first over bowled by Arshdeep, giving Afghanistan early momentum,” Pathan explained.
Pathan emphasized that Bumrah is unparalleled in setting the bowling tone, adjusting his deliveries to the conditions with precision. “He came in the second over and immediately made an impact. The wickets he took and his bowling in different phases were exceptional. He bowled six slower balls in the first six overs, setting the tone perfectly. No one in world cricket sets the bowling tone better than Jasprit Bumrah. He is the pinnacle of Indian bowling. His pitch map shows clusters of good lengths and slower balls, using the bouncer only when necessary,” he added.
Jasprit Bumrah concluded his four-over spell with a maiden and three wickets, conceding just 7 runs at an economy rate of 1.8, underscoring his dominance and effectiveness in the game.
