League: Cricket
In a touching show of appreciation, Indian fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah has expressed his gratitude for a fan’s heartfelt post on X about his pivotal role in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 final against South Africa. The post recounted the dramatic turn of events that showcased Bumrah’s extraordinary performance under pressure.
The tweet detailed the tense 15th over bowled by Axar Patel, during which South Africa scored 24 runs, leaving them needing just 30 runs from 30 balls to secure victory.
“The atmosphere turned despondent as Indian fans lost hope, with the South African pavilion roaring in celebration while the Indian support fell silent,” the fan said in her post.
She also highlighted how Bumrah’s 16th over became a beacon of hope. “A lanky pacer in a land famed for tall bowlers like Joel Garner, Bumrah’s exceptional over giving away only four runs, rejuvenated the Indian squad and instilled a renewed belief that the match was far from over. His performance electrified the stadium and reinvigorated the Indian camp.”
The fan further titled Bumrah as the ‘Pied Piper of Kensington Oval’.
“Describing the atmosphere wouldn’t do it justice, but he was like the Pied Piper of Kensington Oval, a true genius and magician at work. It felt as inspiring as SRK’s 70-minute speech in Chak De, Nawazuddin Siddique’s news report in Bajrangi Bhaijaan, or Vicky Kaushal’s rally in URI. The cover was a rallying cry, energising the stadium. Even 70-year-olds banged the barricade, young fans shouted until their vocal cords strained, and clapped until their hands nearly bled. The entire stadium was now turbocharged to the max,” she added.
The fan also praised Hardik Pandya for his crucial role in dismissing Heinrich Klaasen and keeping the momentum in India‘s favour. “Miller and Klaasen knew they had to face Hardik, India’s key bowler. Klaasen attempted to score, but Hardik’s crucial over, which included the key wicket of Heinrich Klaasen, boosted India’s belief and kept the momentum in their favour.”
She further highlighted how Bumrah, the ‘Pied Piper’, returned to bowl his final six deliveries, conceding just 2 runs and taking the crucial wicket of Marco Jansen.
“The stadium was electrified as Bumrah bowled with the crowd fully behind him. Jansen, having struggled throughout the game, was apprehensive facing Bumrah. The first ball to Miller was impeccable, and although Jansen managed to hit the fourth ball for a boundary, it dislodged a bail. The temporary grandstand for the World Cup vibrated with the fans’ excitement, and with dark clouds and distant lightning, it felt as though Thor himself was wielding his hammer.”
In conclusion, she described witnessing a display of magic and leadership from Bumrah, bestowing upon him the title of ‘Thor’.
“Maharaj’s task was to protect Miller from Bumrah’s relentless pace, which he managed with 20 runs needed off 2 overs. Bumrah, with just 6 runs and 1 wicket in his 2 overs, not only rallied his teammates but also electrified the stadium and injected nervous energy into the South African dressing room. The temporary grandstand for the World Cup vibrated with the fans’ excitement, and with dark clouds and distant lightning, it felt as though Thor himself was wielding his hammer. The experience of Bumrah’s extraordinary pace bowling was so impressive that even legends like Marshall and Garner would have been proud.”
Bumrah responded to the tweet with his heartfelt appreciation. “Thank you for your kind words; they are beautifully expressed. That day will always hold a special place in my heart,” he wrote.