T20 World Cup: Bumrah’s ‘Most Economical Spell’ Powers India To 47-Run Win Against Afghanistan

Bhubaneswar: Jasprit Bumrah bowled the most economical spell by an Indian in T20 World Cup history in the 47 runs win over Afghanistan in their opening Super 8 fixture of the T20 World Cup at Kensington Oval stadium in Barbados on Thursday.

Bumrah picked up three wickets and conceded just seven runs in his four overs, an eye-watering economy of 1.75, as India continued their victory run in this edition of the tournament. The previous record was held by Arshdeep Singh, 4/9 against the United States of America, earlier in the group stages.

Kuldeep Yadav, playing his first game of the tournament, also made an impact by taking at 2/32, while Arshdeep finished with figures of 3-36.

Bumrah dismissed both of Afghanistan’s openers – Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Hazratullah Zazai – in his first two overs. Kuldeep then sent back Gulbadin Naib (17). A 43-run partnership between Azmatullah Omarzai and Gulbadin Naib kept Afghanistan in the hunt after they lost 3 wickets for 23. Though their middle order got starts, they were never able to match the required run rate, especially after the loss of Omarzai in the 12th over. Afghanistan was eventually bowled out for 134 as acer Arshdeep claimed the final wicket of the match with the last delivery of the 20th over, removing Naveen-ul-Haq for a golden duck.

Earlier in the inning, Suryakumar Yadav scored 53 off 27 deliveries after India decided to bat on a surface where it was difficult to hit through the line. It was his quickfire 60-run partnership off just 37 balls with Hardik Pandya for the fifth wicket followed by Axar Patel’s knock of 12 runs in six balls that ensured that India would post a respectable of 181/8.

Also Read: T20 World Cup: SKY, Hardik Lift India To 181/8 In Super 8 Clash Vs Afghanistan

Speaking after the match in a post-match press conference, Rohit said, “The last two years we have played T20s here, so we understand the conditions and planned accordingly. We adapted well and got 180, which was a great effort from the batters. We had class bowlers who defended it perfectly.”