India carried on the rich vein of form from the ODI series, as the hosts were all over the Australians in the first T20I in Ranchi.
With rain currently halting the game, Australia were all at sea during their innings. Positioned at a precarious position of 118-8 in 18.4 overs, the Indian spinners were once again right at the centre of attraction. Pacer Jasprit Bumrah too had a ball in the middle, as he remained economical and picked up a couple of wickets. First, Bumrah sent back wicketkeeper Tim Paine as the latter’s patience ran out, as he attempted a wild slog. Minutes later, Bumrah made a mess of the stumps, as he sent back Nathan Coulter Nile.
By getting those two wickets, Bumrah took his T20I wickets tally to 35, which makes him the second-highest wicket-taker for India in the format. Only R. Ashwin now has more wickets for India in T20I’s, with the off spinner’s tally being at 52.
Bumrah has just been a sensation for India ever since he first burst onto the scene, during the side’s tour of Australia in January last year. For years, India missed a pacer who could keep things tight at the death and also pick up wickets frequently. They seem to have found just that with Bumrah, as he continues to impress with every passing outing.
With the game currently paused due to the weather, India would be hoping even for a shortened game, as the hosts are in a strong position.
Leading wicket takers for India in T20I’s:
R. Ashwin – 52
J.Bumrah – 35
A. Nehra – 34
R. Jadeja – 31
I.Pathan/ Y. Singh – 28