India's match-winner Jasprit Bumrah attributed his team's calmness and refusal to panic as the key factors behind their thrilling six-run victory over Pakistan at the T20 World Cup on Sunday.
India posted a modest total of 119 on a challenging New York pitch. Pakistan's reply was steady, but Bumrah's pivotal breakthroughs sealed the win for India. Bumrah delivered a match-winning spell, taking 3-14, including the crucial wicket of Pakistan's top scorer Mohamad Rizwan, who scored a cautious 31 off 44 balls before being bowled by Bumrah.
"The biggest positive for us was the calmness because when we were batting in the morning, there was a lot more help," said Bumrah, referring to the damp conditions caused by pre-match rain which later gave way to sunshine.
"When we started bowling, the skies opened up and the ball stopped seaming, and there wasn't a lot of lateral movement. So we had to be more consistent and accurate. We as a unit were very calm and clear on what we wanted to do. So I'm very happy that we were able to contribute collectively, create pressure, and secure the win," he added.
Bumrah emphasized the importance of not getting overly aggressive on a pitch that offers some assistance to the bowlers.
"In situations where the pitch offers some help, it's crucial not to go overboard with attacking intent," Bumrah said. "Experience helps in these aspects. You can get excited and try to bowl bouncers, out-swingers, in-swingers, but you don't have to. I have learned that over time. This time, the ball wasn't doing much. We created pressure with a little bit of lateral movement, but not as much as in the last game."
Bumrah's form has been outstanding, following a strong IPL campaign and a 2-6 spell against Ireland in the Group A opener before Sunday's performance. Despite his recent success, Bumrah remains grounded, recalling the doubts surrounding his career during his injury struggles last year.
"A year ago, the same people were saying that I might not play again and my career was over. But I don't pay attention to that. I focus on solving the problem in front of me and controlling what I can," Bumrah said. "I was focused on the best options for me on a wicket like this, how to make shot-making difficult. I try to stay in the present and focus on what I have to do. If I let outside noise, pressure, and emotions take over, things don't work for me."
Bumrah highlighted the collective approach of the team in handling pressure, especially in high-stakes matches against Pakistan.
"At no stage did I feel that panic had spread in the team, and we were looking too far ahead. That's a really positive sign," he concluded.
Comment: