IND vs PAK ODI World Cup 2023: Jasprit Bumrah Proves Eoin Morgan Right With Game-Changing Spell

Jasprit Bumrah reaches new heights with his bowling.

Photo : AFP

KEY HIGHLIGHTS

Indian pacer Jasprit Bumrah on Saturday bowled a brilliant spell to disturb Pakistan’s middle order, going on to prove World Cup-winning captain Eoin Morgan right. The former English skipper had earlier claimed that the Indian pacer would be the game-changer in their clash against Pakistan. Bumrah began the day economically with the new ball and while Mohammad Siraj went for runs at the other end, he held on to the other.

After Siraj provided the initial breakthrough, Bumrah began conceding boundaries and was taken off for a while. But in his second spell, bowled out Mohammad Rizwan and Shadab Khan as Pakistan found themselves in tatters after a good start.

Bumrah is currently the top wicket-taker in the tournament with eight wickets in three matches at an average of 11.37 and an economy of 3.52.

Against Afghanistan, Bumrah put up a remarkable performance, bagging four wickets for just 39 runs in his quota of 10 overs. This was his best ODI World Cup performance to date.

Ahead of the match, speaking to Sky Sports, Morgan said that Bumrah knows how to build pressure and pick wickets at various stages of the match.

“I probably lean towards India’s bowling lineup as being stronger and in form, bringing Jasprit Bumrah back in such a timely manner. It’s about four or five months ago, back when they played in Dublin, he came and sort of eased his way back in with one eye on building towards a World Cup,” Morgan said.

“I think he’s probably the game-changer on both sides and that’s nothing against Pakistan’s bowling lineup. I just think the balance of India’s lineup with Jadeja, Kuldeep, Shardul Thakur coming back in, Hardik Pandya can bowl and bowl well at the moment is key for India,” he added.

Notably, Bumrah was out of international action for almost a year after a stress fracture in his back flared up and restricted his comeback. He could only return while leading a second-string Indian side in Ireland in July.

Bumrah finished off with brilliant figures of 7-1-19-2.