In a dramatic performance at the T20 World Cup, India secured a six-run win over Pakistan and consolidated their position in the Super-Eight stage with two consecutive wins.
However, this win was soon spoiled due to controversial comments made by former Pakistani cricketer Kamran Akmal and Pakistani sports journalist Shahid Hashmi about Indian fast bowler Arshdeep Singh.
During the tense finale, when Pakistan chased the target of 119, the Indian bowling attack was being intensely scrutinised. Jasprit Bumrah bowled a brilliant 19th over and conceded only three runs, leaving Pakistan needing 18 runs from the final over. The responsibility of bowling the crucial 20th over was on Arshdeep Singh, who was successful in restricting Pakistan to 11 runs and ensuring a narrow victory for India.
During this crucial time Akmal and Hashmi made derogatory remarks about Arshdeep Singh on a Pakistani news channel. Both suggested that Arshdeep, being a Sikh, should not have bowled the last over.
Kamran Akmal was heard saying before the final over, when 18 runs were needed: “Anything can happen… 12 baj gaye hai… Kisi Sikh ko nahi dena chahiye 12 o’clock over. (Anything can happen) It is 12 o’clock) after midnight, a Sikh should not bowl after midnight.”
These comments have sparked outrage among fans on social media, who are vocally criticizing the duo. A former user named Ayush shared a video of the incident, condemning Kamran Akmal’s comments as particularly offensive.
The match itself was quite exciting, there was a lot of drama in the last four overs. When Hardik Pandya bowled the 17th over with Pakistan needing 35 runs from 24 balls, he dismissed Shadab Khan and conceded only five runs. Mohammad Siraj gave nine runs in the 18th over, reducing Pakistan’s target to 21 runs in 12 balls.
After this, Jasprit Bumrah gave only three runs in the 19th over and turned the match in India’s favor by dismissing Iftikhar Ahmed. With this, Pakistan’s score became 102 runs for six wickets and it needed 18 runs in the last over. Despite the pressure, Arshdeep Singh played a composed performance and conceded only 11 runs, leading to India’s seventh win over Pakistan in eight T20 World Cup encounters.
Bumrah’s exceptional bowling, taking three important wickets, earned him the Player of the Match award. The win marked India’s 15th win over Pakistan in both the ODI and T20 World Cups, highlighting their dominance in World Cup history. For Pakistan, the defeat was their second consecutive defeat in the T20 World Cup 2024, further complicating their campaign.
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