Guwahati, Jan 25 (.) Jasprit Bumrah delivered a masterclass in control and timing as India strangled New Zealand to a modest 153 for 9 in the third T20 International of the New Zealand tour of India at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium here on Sunday.
Setting the tone immediately after India opted to bowl, Bumrah ensured there was no room for New Zealand to settle. While Harshit Rana struck in the opening over to remove Devon Conway, it was Bumrah’s sharp pace and relentless accuracy that deepened the early damage, dismissing Tim Seifert and applying sustained pressure from one end.
With New Zealand reeling at 13 for 2 inside two overs, Bumrah’s discipline allowed the rest of the Indian attack to hunt in pairs. Even as Glenn Phillips and Mark Chapman attempted a rebuild through a 52-run fourth-wicket stand, the scoring rate never truly escaped India’s grip, a reflection of the squeeze applied during Bumrah’s spells.
When the visitors looked to launch at the death, Bumrah returned with decisive impact. He first accounted for skipper Mitchell Santner, who had briefly threatened with a brisk 27, before dismissing Kyle Jamieson to shut the door firmly on any late surge. His figures of 3 for 17 from four overs underlined a spell that combined economy with crucial breakthroughs.
Supported ably by Ravi Bishnoi’s twin strikes and Hardik Pandya’s all-round contribution, Bumrah’s leadership of the bowling unit ensured New Zealand never recovered from their stuttering start.
Limited to just 36 runs in the powerplay, the visitors were left with a total well below par on a surface that offered value for disciplined bowling.
India now require 154 runs to clinch the match, with Bumrah’s inspirational spell laying the foundation for a strong position in the series encounter.
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