NEW DELHI: Indian pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah has achieved a significant milestone, surpassing all-rounder Hardik Pandya to become the third-highest wicket-taker for India in T20I cricket. Bumrah's remarkable performance in India's narrow six-run victory over Pakistan at the ICC T20 World Cup propelled him up the rankings.
In the high-octane clash at Nassau County International Stadium, Bumrah was in top form, taking three crucial wickets for just 14 runs in his four-over spell, maintaining an impressive economy rate of 3.50. His victims included Pakistan's star opening pair, skipper Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan, along with Iftikhar Ahmed.
Bumrah's latest feat brings his tally to 79 wickets in 64 T20Is, boasting an average of 18.67 and an economy rate of 6.44, with his best figures being 3/11. This performance edges him past Hardik Pandya, who has taken 78 wickets in 94 T20Is with best figures of 4/16.
India's leading wicket-taker in T20I cricket remains the spin veteran Yuzvendra Chahal, who has claimed 96 wickets in 80 games, averaging 25.09 with an economy rate of 8.19. His best bowling figures stand at 6/25. Following Chahal is swing specialist Bhuvneshwar Kumar, who has 90 wickets in 87 matches, with an average of 23.10 and an economy rate of 6.96, his best being 5/4.
On the global stage, New Zealand's pace veteran Tim Southee leads the pack with 157 wickets in 123 matches, averaging 23.15 and an economy rate of 8.13, with his best performance being 5/13.
Bumrah's ascent in the wicket-taking charts highlights his crucial role in India's T20I setup and his consistent ability to deliver match-winning performances under pressure.
1/9:T20 World Cup: Bumrah delivers as India beat Pakistan in low-scoring thriller
AFP
2/9:India beat Pakistan in New York
Jasprit Bumrah was the hero as India beat Pakistan by six runs in a low-scoring T20 World Cup thriller in New York on Sunday.AP
3/9:Bumrah's Heroics
India were bowled out by Pakistan for 119 in 19 overs. Defending the small total, Bumrah delivered crucial wickets and his 3-14 in four overs proved decisive as Pakistan fell just short ending on 113-7.ANI
4/9:Crowd Excitement
Despite a tricky batting surface that made batting difficult, a crowd of 34,028, a record attendance for an international cricket match in the USA, were given a tight contest that ebbed and flowed.AFP
5/9:Pakistan's Chase
Naseem Shah made a valiant effort, hitting the fourth and fifth balls of the last over for fours but India avoided any late drama to secure their second win of the tournament.ANI
6/9:Bumrah's Crucial Wickets
Bumrah picked up the vital wicket of Pakistan captain Babar Azam (13) and Mohammad Rizwan (31). Then, in the penultimate over, Bumrah conceded just three runs and removed Iftikhar Ahmed with his final ball.AP
7/9:Final Over Drama
<b>That left Pakistan needing 18 from the final over, a steep task on a difficult batting surface and it got more tricky when Arshdeep Singh dismissed Imad Wasim with the first ball.</b>AFP
8/9:Pakistan's Tough Loss
For Pakistan, their loss, coming after the shock defeat to the USA, leaves them without a point and with a lot of work to do against Canada and Ireland if they are to fight their way into the Super Eight stage.AP
9/9:Rain Interruption
Rain delayed the start of the game, played in front of a packed 34,000 fans, the majority of whom were backing tournament favourites India.AFP(With inputs from ANI)
