NEW DELHI: India spinner Kuldeep Yadav delivered a magnificent ball to dismiss England captain Jos Buttler in the World Cup match in Lucknow on Sunday. The delivery, akin to his memorable performance in the 2019 World Cup against Babar Azam, pitched well outside the off stump before sharply turning back to dismantle Buttler's stumps, leaving England at 52 for five in their run chase.
This striking ball from Kuldeep mirrored his skillful execution that breached Babar's defence during the 2019 World Cup encounter against Pakistan. The spinner's ability to produce such exceptional deliveries was highlighted once again with Buttler's dismissal.
”I would say both balls were very good. They were the same balls in my view. There was no change. Quality is important and both were quality batters. The team also won. It was also special to play in front of a big crowd like that,” said Kuldeep after India's 100-run win.
Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammad Shami set up the win for India in a low-scoring game with magical opening spells. After the opening powerplay, Kuldeep's job was to maintain the pressure and he was able to do that.
“Shami and Bumrah bowled very well in the power play. My plan was just to bowl on a good length. There was spin and I used the crease well.”
Kuldeep loves to bowl under lights and he got to do that on Sunday as India batted first for the first time in the tournament.
“It is good if batting comes first. It is even better if the total is good, then it is more fun to bowl under lights. 230 was a decent score on this wicket. The way Rohit bhai batted it helped us put a respectable total,” added Kuldeep.
(With PTI inputs)
