Jasprit Bumrah answers whether Mohammad Rizwan is his favourite wicket

In a highly-anticipated India-Pakistan clash at the T20 World Cup 2024 in New York on June 9, Jasprit Bumrah produced a match-winning spell of 3/14 to lead the Men in Blue to an thrilling six-run win. One among his key wickets was the dismissal of the well-set Mohammad Rizwan. Asked if Rizwan has become his favourite wicket as he also dismissed him in ODI World Cup 2023, Bumrah played said that he focuses solely on the situation at hand and how he can help the team rather than the opposition.

“No, I don't think like that. But, you know, I look at the situation. For me, the greatest happiness is that whenever there's a problem or there's a puzzle, how do I solve it? What are my options? Rather than thinking too much in the end or this is... the opposition. I try to focus on how do i help the team and how do i solve this problem so very happy that i could do it today so yeah but there is nothing like that where i was thinking of the opposition,” said Bumrah in an interaction with ICC Digital.

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I was trying to back what is working for me: Jasprit Bumrah

The 30-year-old revealed his strategy was to make run-scoring difficult by forcing Rizwan to hit over the bigger side of the ground. On getting his wicket, which shifted momentum firmly in India's favor.

“So, you know, at that time, it's difficult. What are the options? So, we have to assess the situation. What is the other batsman going to do as well? So, I was trying to back what is working for me because we played few games here. So, try to make run scoring as difficult as possible. Try to make them hit on the bigger side. Try to, you know, be nice and calm. So all that was going on at that time and the execution was good. The ball did stay a little low. But we're very happy that, you know, that changed the momentum and then the things were in our favour,” he added. 

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The match witnessed India being bundled out for 119 after some brilliant bowling from Pakistan. Rishabh Pant top-scored with 42 to take India to a par 119. In reply, Pakistan seemed on course at 73/3 before Bumrah's game-changing over swung the match India's way. While Rizwan anchored with 31 off 44 balls, no other Pakistani batter provided enough support as they were kept to 113/7.

While Rizwan's wicket may not be a particular favorite for Bumrah, there's no doubting its importance. His dismissal proved the pivotal moment as Pakistan crumbled thereafter. With consecutive Player of the Match awards, the pacer will be aiming to continue his red-hot form against the USA on June 12.