Jasprit Bumrah was adjudged ‘Player of the match’ after taking two crucial wickets in the middle overs against Pakistan. Bumrah was wicketless in his first spell but bowled an economical spell to put pressure on Pakistan's top order. In the middle overs, Bumrah got the prized wicket of in-form Mohammad Rizwan followed by Shadab Khan. In the post-match presentation, India’s fast bowling spearhead revealed how Ravindra Jadeja getting purchase from Ahmedabad surface gave him the idea of a slower ball.
“I saw Jaddu's ball was turning, so I count my slower ball as a spinner's slower ball. I thought that can make the run-scoring tough, and it worked,” Bumrah told the broadcasters.
Rizwan departed after scoring 49 runs whereas Shadab was bowled for a single-digit score. Bumrah was also happy to get praise from reverse swing specialists from Pakistan, Waqar Younis and Wasim Akram.
“There was a little phase in there where there was reverse swing. It was an outswinger I was looking to ball but there was parts of reverse swing happening. I have seen him [Waqar Younis] and Wasim Akram bowl some magical deliveries. So to get his nod is great,” the 29-year-old said.
Bumrah was happy to make life tough for Pakistan batters as he said, “It felt good. You get to analyse the wicket as soon as possible. We knew the wicket was on the slower side so the hard lengths were the way. We were trying to make it as difficult as possible for the batters. Just the awareness helps. When I was young I used to ask a lot of questions, so that has helped me develop a lot of knowledge. I like to read the wickets and try a lot of options.”
Bumrah conceded just 19 runs and bowled one maiden from his seven overs. He helped India bowl out Pakistan for 191. The target of 192 was chased down with seven wickets in hand and 19.3 overs to spare.
Bumrah is currently the joint-leading wicket-taker in the tournament alongside New Zealand's Mitchell Santner and Matt Henry. He has taken eight wickets from three games including a four-fer against Australia.
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