ICC World Cup 2019: Gulbadin Naib Credits Jasprit Bumrah For Being The Game Changer

An encounter of top-class was on display when India took on Afghanistan at the Rose Bowl Stadium in Southampton. The Men in Blues although had the last laugh beating Afghans by 11 runs, the minnows had put on a tough and almost took the game home. Afghanistan skipper Gulbadin Naib credited Jasprit Bumrah for taking away the game in the last three overs of the match.

Credit goes to Bumrah – Naib

It was one of the best matches so far in the ICC World Cup 2019 as India defended 224 runs in an absolute thriller. Mohammad Nabi brought all his experience to lead the chase with a half-century, but lack of partners at the other end forced Nabi to take unnecessary risk, thus throwing his wicket. Jasprit Bumrah was the pick of the Indian bowlers to take the match till the last over before Mohammed Shami finished off the proceedings with a hattrick.

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Gulbadin Naib while speaking at the end of the game, credited his players for putting up a good show with bat and bat. However, he was in all praise for Jasprit Bumrah who took away the match with three priceless overs at the end. Bumrah returned with two for 39 in his 10 overs which earned him the man of the match award.

“We bowled really well, and everybody in the batting lineup was strong. We did well in the batting too, but credit goes to Bumrah for the way he bowled in the last three overs. He was superb,” Gulbadin said.

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Furthermore, the Afghanistan skipper hailed his bowlers who stuck to the plan and kept the top-class Indian batting silent. Gulbadin Naib also seemed happy with his bowling as he returned with two wickets. Mujeeb-ur-Rahman was the pick of bowlers for the Afghans who finished with one for 26 in his ten overs.

“The wicket was really good for batting during the first half. The spinners stuck to the plan, and they did really well. We had other options than Rashid and Mujeeb, but in the backend, Aftab and I also bowled well, but India is a good side, and a favourite side,” he added.

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In conclusion, Gulbadin Naib admitted that they lacked one batsman at the top who would take responsibility and bat longer. However, he is happy with how the boys have turned up in the last two games and put their best feet forward.

“The total was not that much (to chase) but in the middle, we needed some 80s and 100s, 20s and 30s aren’t enough against a team like this. When chasing 220s, you need some batsmen to take responsibility and go longer. We have lost four games very badly, but last two games we have played really well. This is tough cricket against high-ranking teams, and you have to fight your best,” he concluded.