Mohammad Nawaz’s dismissal against India left fans and experts stunned, with Pakistan legend Wasim Akram admitting he was “speechless” at the way the wicket fell. The left-hander, who had been building some momentum with a quick 21 off 19 balls, was run out in a manner that highlighted poor game awareness.
The incident unfolded when Salman Agha mistimed a lofted stroke off Jasprit Bumrah, sending the ball straight to square leg. As the pair completed a single, Nawaz seemed casual in his approach and crucially failed to ground his bat at the crease. Suryakumar Yadav, alert to the situation, gathered the ball cleanly and threw it back in time to catch Nawaz short.
WATCH - Pakistan opener Sahibzada Farhan breaks out in gun celebration after quickfire fifty against India
It was a moment that shifted momentum India’s way, not because of great bowling, but due to sheer alertness in the field and a lack of focus from the batter. For Pakistan, it was a frustrating dismissal, while for India, it showcased their sharpness in pressure situations.
For India, a bigger concern emerged around Jasprit Bumrah’s figures. The pacer finished with 0 for 45 in his four overs, three of which came inside the Powerplay. During that spell, he was unusually expensive, giving away as many as six boundaries, something rarely seen from him in recent memory.
Adding to the pressure, Faheem Ashraf (20* off 8) launched a towering six off Bumrah in the penultimate over, pushing Pakistan’s total beyond the 170-run mark. It is safe to say the Men in Green meant business and there was little extra pressure on the India batters, as they were asked to chase more than they would have imagined.
Discover the latest Business News, Sensex, and Nifty updates. Obtain Personal Finance insights, tax queries, and expert opinions on Moneycontrol or download the Moneycontrol App to stay updated!
