India have dealt rivals Pakistan a second blow at the Twenty20 World Cup after successfully defending 119 in the marquee Group A game in New York.
Pakistan fell six runs short finishing on 113 for seven, as they struggled on a bowler-friendly pitch. Jasprit Bumrah (3-14) did the damage for India as Pakistan could only manage two sixes across their innings. The defeat means Pakistan face Canada and Ireland in their final two games and will need to win those and will rely on USA losing to Ireland.
After being shocked by co-host United States in the Super Over at Dallas last week, Pakistan chose to bowl first and came back strongly in favourable conditions for its pace bowlers in a rain-interrupted cricket match.
India’s batting lineup crumbled against Naseem Shah and Haris Rauf, who both finished with 3-21, while Mohammad Amir, who came out of retirement for the World Cup, grabbed 2-23.
Amir cautioned it wouldn’t be easy for his team’s batters at what has so far been a low-scoring T20 tournament venue.