Ashish Nehra and Jasprit Bumrah combined to hand India an unlikely victory against England with some superb bowling in the death overs.
England needed just 32 runs to win from the final four overs of the game, with seven wickets still in hand. That was when Nehra bowled an economical over and got rid of the dangerous Ben Stokes.
Bumrah followed that over with a brilliant over of his own, conceding just three runs. But Nehra went for 16 off the penultimate over which meant that the visitors needed just eight to win off the last six deliveries.
The ball was given to Bumrah and he did not disappoint. With a string of variations, he conceded just two runs as India won the match by five runs to level the series 1-1.
After the match, Nehra explained the differences between Bumrah and himself.
“He may bowl a one-off over with the new ball whereas I bowl three overs up front because I know that the team wants me to strike early, especially while defending such a 130-140 types total,” said Nehra.
“I need to pick wickets early in such games. If you don’t do that, it’s highly unlikely that you can come back in such games.
“On the other hand, Bumrah is an excellent bowler and his speciality is bowling at death. Just like Lasith Malinga – he was an asset with the old ball.
“Bumrah has a slightly awkward action so a new batsman can’t really pick him easily. He has a good slower one and a yorker. Bumrah is a very important player in this team, whether it’s ODIs or T20s.”
A great turnaround by #Nehra & #Bumrah, secured the win in time. Keep winning! #INDvENG
— sachin tendulkar (@sachin_rt) January 29, 2017
