The world had been eagerly anticipating the showdown between Babar Azam and Jasprit Bumrah. Their last encounter prior to the Asia Cup occurred during the 2021 T20 World Cup. On that occasion, there was only one victor, as Babar-led Pakistan trounced India by 10 wickets, ending India’s unbeaten World Cup streak against Pakistan. However, since then, a significant amount of time has passed.
In the past year, India and Pakistan have faced each other three times, but the long-awaited face-off between Babar and Bumrah had to be postponed due to the Indian pacer’s injury. After several months away from the action, Bumrah has finally returned, likely itching for a showdown with the Pakistan captain.
Unfortunately, the India vs Pakistan Group A match last weekend ended in a washout, further delaying this anticipated contest. Both Babar and Bumrah had contrasting starts to the Asia Cup. While the Pakistan captain notched a century against Nepal, Bumrah hadn’t bowled a single over in the tournament for India until Monday (September 11). However, when he finally did, it was a remarkable sight, reminiscent of the Bumrah of old, as Pakistan struggled to handle his impeccable line, length, and pace.
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The moment finally arrived on Monday, the reserve day of the India vs Pakistan Super 4 clash after rain had washed away Sunday’s play. However, just before the battle could commence, a statistic displayed by the host broadcaster STAR left Wasim Akram irritated. India had posted a massive 356/2 while batting first. During the innings break, Akram, along with Ravi Shastri, was part of the mid-innings show. During this show, STAR organized a poll asking viewers to choose between Bumrah and Babar. However, when the results overwhelmingly favored the Indian pacer, Akram found it hard to accept and voiced his displeasure.
“You guys are making these stats up. What? Babar is the No. 1 batter in the world. I mean, come on guys. Give him a little appreciation. Make it 3 percent at least. It will be a great battle. One of the top bowlers in world cricket against the No. 1 batter in the world, who apparently has just 2 percent chance against him,” Wasim Akram said.
Akram’s prediction quickly turned sour as Bumrah asserted his dominance over Babar during their brief encounter. Bumrah bowled 13 deliveries to Babar, with a staggering 11 of them resulting in dot balls while conceding just 4 runs. The first ball he delivered was a menacing inswinger, clocked at nearly 140 kilometers per hour, which struck Babar on the pads. He followed it up with an almost unplayable delivery, leaving the Pakistan captain completely bamboozled outside off stump. Bumrah expertly mixed up his inswingers and outswingers, momentarily making Babar look far from the world’s No. 1-ranked ODI batsman.
Bumrah continued to baffle Babar with a back-of-a-length delivery and a fuller swinging ball. The only time Bumrah made a mistake against Babar was with a wide back-of-a-length delivery, and the Pakistan captain capitalized by punching it through the off side for a four. However, off the very next ball, Bumrah quickly adjusted his length and continued to apply pressure.