Jasprit Bumrah’s 2024 T20 World Cup performance will be remembered as one of the most remarkable campaigns in the tournament’s history.
With 15 wickets at an average of 8.26, Bumrah achieved an astonishing economy rate of just 4.17, the best among bowlers who delivered at least 20 overs. He joins teammate Virat Kohli, a two-time winner, as an Indian player to receive the Player of the Tournament honor.
From the vibrant atmosphere of New York to the challenges in Guyana and the ultimate triumph in Barbados, let’s revisit his outstanding campaign.
India started their journey at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium, where Bumrah stood out on a bowler-friendly pitch. In his first three overs against Ireland, he conceded only six runs, taking the wickets of Harry Tector and Josh Little, restricting Ireland to just 96. His brilliant performance earned him the Player of the Match award, a feat he repeated in a crucial match against Pakistan.
Defending a modest total of 119, Bumrah made an early impact by dismissing Babar Azam in the Powerplay, with Suryakumar Yadav taking the catch. He then outfoxed Mohammad Rizwan, a turning point in the game, and deceived Iftikhar Ahmed, finishing with figures of 3/14 in his four overs, allowing just one boundary.
Dominance in the Super Eights
In the Super Eights, across three venues, Bumrah took six wickets for 49 runs in 12 overs, helping India secure the top spot in their group.
In Barbados, his deliveries of change of pace against Afghanistan proved to be too much for Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Hazratullah Zazai, who were both substituted out in the Power play. He also removed Najibullah Zadran, conceding only seven runs in his four overs, leading India to another victory.
In Antigua against Bangladesh, Bumrah excelled in the final overs, preventing a late comeback against India’s total of 196. He dismissed Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto with an off-pace delivery and then bowled Rishad Hossain, finishing with figures of 2/13.
Facing Australia in St. Lucia in the final Super Eights match, Bumrah’s death-over skills were crucial. As Travis Head threatened to chase down India’s 205/5, Bumrah’s well-executed off-cutter in the 17th over resulted in a miscue caught by Rohit Sharma, securing India’s top position in the group.
Rising to the Occasion: Semi-final and Final Heroics
Bumrah thrived under pressure in both the semi-final against England in Guyana and the final against South Africa in Barbados, playing a key role in India’s triumph.
Bowling in tandem with Axar Patel’s left-arm spin, Bumrah restricted England to 34/2 by the fifth over, dismantling Phil Salt’s stumps with a deceptive off-cutter. This set the tone for India’s defense, and he later trapped Jofra Archer lbw, securing India’s place in the final.
In the final against South Africa, after India posted 176/7, Bumrah delivered early with a stunning delivery to Reeza Hendricks, swinging the ball away to hit the top of off-stump, confounding the batsman.
When Bumrah produced another vital delivery, nipping the ball between Marco Jansen’s bat and pad, South Africa was too far behind with only 21 runs needed from the last 15 balls. With a seven-run triumph, India claimed the trophy, and he concluded with figures of 2/18 from his four overs.
