Pakistan’s T20 World Cup all but over following India defeat

A record-breaking clash between heavyweights in New York left Pakistan’s T20 World Cup campaign in tatters, after they lost to India by six runs on Monday morning (AEST).

Contests between rivals India and Pakistan have typically been tight, low-scoring affairs. This one was no different, with India equalling the record for the lowest-ever target defended at the T20 World Cup.

The world No. 1 cricket side were bowled out for 119 from 19 overs. However, Jasprit Bumrah led an inspired bowling effort that enabled India to keep Pakistan to 113/7 from their 20 overs.

Now, Pakistan is teetering on the verge of elimination, having lost two from two so far this T20 World Cup.

Pant, Bumrah star in gritty performance

Put into bat first, India was in for a challenge on what has been a tough New York pitch to score on.

Star batsman Virat Kohli fell early, much to the disappointment of the local crowd. Captain Rohit Sharma followed soon after, and it looked as though Pakistan may be in for a rare upset over big brothers India.

Just in time, returnee Rishabh Pant and middle order batsman Axar Patel put on a handy partnership, contributing 42 (31) and 20 (18) each. This was as good as it got from the Indian batsmen, however, with the remainder of the line up falling for single figures.

The team spluttered to 119 all out, and Pakistan’s World Cup seemed alive and well.

That is, until Jasprit Bumrah stepped up to the plate. After a wicket-less first four over, the pacer removed Mohammad Rizwan for 31 (44) and captain Babar Azam for 13 (10).

Little resistance was offered by the rest of the Pakistani batsmen, as Hardik Pandya also pitched in with two wickets and Bumrah finished on three.

Particularly impressive was the penultimate over the fast bowler executed, giving away just three runs and taking a wicket to sink Pakistan’s hopes of a late comeback.

Pakistan one foot out the door

Coming into the T20 World Cup, Pakistan were sixth favourites to win the tournament (+1200 at Neds).

Now, they teeter on the brink of elimination. Cricket bookmakers have pumped up their odds to +2500, putting the Asian nation at eighth most likely to win, behind the likes of Afghanistan and New Zealand.

This comes after Pakistan lost their first match of the tournament in a stunning upset to the USA.

For them to qualify for the Super Eight stage now, they’ll need to win their remaining two games—against Canada and Ireland—while also hoping other results go their way.

They’re next in action on Wednesday morning (AEST) against Canada in New York.

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