Jasprit Bumrah Records Most Expensive T20 Bowling Figures in High-Scoring Thriller
In a dramatic turn of events at the Greenfield International Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram, India's premier fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah registered his most expensive bowling figures in T20 cricket history during the fifth and final match against New Zealand. Despite this personal setback, India secured a commanding 46-run victory to clinch the five-match T20I series 4-1.
Bumrah's Uncharacteristic Struggle Against Black Caps
The match witnessed Bumrah conceding 58 runs without taking a single wicket in his four-over spell, marking his worst bowling performance across 262 T20 matches. This surpassed his previous record of 1/56 against Chennai Super Kings during IPL 2021 in Delhi. The statistics reveal a rare off-day for the usually economical bowler, who has been India's go-to weapon in crunch situations.
Bumrah's third over proved particularly costly, as he leaked 22 runs - making it his most expensive over in T20 Internationals. This edged past the 21 runs he conceded against England in Kanpur back in 2017. The over featured aggressive batting from New Zealand's Daryl Mitchell, who smashed Bumrah for a boundary followed by two consecutive sixes, with Bevon Jacobs adding another boundary to compound the damage.
India's Batting Powerhouse Sets Up Massive Total
Earlier in the match, India posted a mammoth 271/5 after opting to bat first, thanks to spectacular performances from their top order. Ishan Kishan played a blistering innings, scoring 103 runs off just 43 balls, while captain Suryakumar Yadav provided excellent support with 63 runs from 30 deliveries. The duo shared a crucial 137-run partnership that laid the foundation for India's imposing total.
Arshdeep Singh's Career-Best Performance
While Bumrah struggled, Arshdeep Singh emerged as India's bowling hero, claiming his maiden T20I five-wicket haul with figures of 5/51 in four overs. His disciplined bowling at crucial junctures helped India maintain control despite New Zealand's aggressive chase. Axar Patel provided valuable support with 3/33 in his four overs, ensuring regular breakthroughs.
New Zealand's response was led by Finn Allen's explosive 80 off 38 balls, but the visitors lost momentum as Indian bowlers struck at regular intervals. The Black Caps were eventually bowled out for 225 in 19.4 overs, falling 46 runs short of the target.
Series Victory and Bowling Analysis
The comprehensive win helped India secure the series 4-1, showcasing their dominance in the T20 format. Bumrah's expensive spell, while unusual, didn't detract from India's overall bowling performance. The match highlighted both the challenges and opportunities for India's bowling unit as they prepare for future international competitions.
Bumrah's bowling progression in the match showed initial control with just 10 runs conceded in his first over, but escalating figures of 14, 22, and 13 runs in subsequent overs. His final over saw Ish Sodhi and Jacob Duffy each scoring boundaries as New Zealand attempted a late surge.
The match at Thiruvananthapuram will be remembered for contrasting bowling performances - Bumrah's rare off-day and Arshdeep's career-best figures - both contributing to an entertaining high-scoring encounter that ultimately favored the home team.
