Coming from behind and closely overcoming another World Cup upset, Indian bowlers put up a strong show as they restricted Pakistan to 113 runs for the loss of seven wickets, registering a 6 runs victory against the neighbours in a high-voltage and anticipated T20 World Cup clash in New York.
After being bowled out for 119 runs, Indian bowlers turned the tides around and their brilliant display ended the Pakistani chase.
Dismissing Mohammad Rizwan (31), Jasprit Bumrah slowly shifted the balance of the game from the shoulders of Pakistan towards their own.
Bumrah picked up three wickets by giving away 14 runs in his economical spell, bringing smiles to the fans who had assembled in the temporary New York stadium to watch the historical cricket tussle, played for the first time on American soil.
Bumrah also provided India the much-needed breakthrough by dismissing captain Babar Azam (13) who had stitched a 26-run opening wicket partnership with Rizwan, the same pair which had defeated India in the 2021 edition of the shortest format of the World Cup in Dubai.
Spinner Axar Patel picked up the wicket of Usman Khan (13) and Hardik Pandya used the condition of the pitch perfectly to dismiss Fakhar Zaman (13) before they could cruise further towards the target in a rain-hit match.
Imad Wasim (15) remained the last dependable man on the side by Arshdeep Singh bowled it tight to show him the door towards the pavilion and ensure India their second win in the tournament.
Hardik Pandya played the part of the fourth seamer in fashion and ensured two major breakthroughs that swung the match completely in India’s favour.
Rizwan remained the top scorer for Pakistan with his 31 runs knock and he smashed a boundary and a six in his innings.
Pakistani bowlers dominated the proceedings earlier in the day and bowled out the 2007 champion team for 119 runs, shocking millions of Indian fans who were watching the tense encounter from across the globe.
Amid the presence of an expected high number of crowds, mostly Asian-origin cricket lovers, New York’s newly created stadium buzzed with electrifying Bollywood beats, cheering fans and some adrenaline-rushing cricket.
Indian opener Rohit Sharma (13) set the tone for the first cricket thriller on US soil with a six. Still, Shaheen Shah Afridi and Mohammad Amir soon joined the party to dismiss Virat Kohli (4) and the skipper in quick succession to give the Men in Blue fans a jolt.
Rishabh Pant (42) and Axar Patel (20) stitched the innings after initial dismissals but Pakistani bowlers utilised the conditions well to pick up Indian wickets at regular intervals.
Despite a sloppy effort by Pakistani fielders initially, they rectified and helped their bowlers destroy the mighty batting lineup of the opponent.
Suryakumar Yadav (7), Ravindra Jadeja (0) and Hardik Pandya (7) could not cross the double-figure mark.
Indian team cricketers came to the USA after their long IPL season and defeated Ireland in the opening match.
Pakistan is now on the verge of elimination after losing both their group-stage matches.
Hosts USA surprised Pakistan by beating the former champions in a Super Over thriller.
On Sunday, Haris Rauf remained the pick of the Pakistani attack as he took three wickets and gave a rigorous challenge to the Indian batsmen.
Naseem Shah also picked up three wickets while Afridi scalped one. Experienced Mohammad Amir dismissed two Indian batsmen in his spirited show.