Former Indian cricketer Irfan Pathan has lauded Jasprit Bumrah for his match-winning bowling performance in India’s narrow seven-run victory over England in the T20 World Cup 2026 semifinal at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium on Thursday. Pathan described Bumrah as a “once-in-a-generation bowler” with exceptional skill and composure under pressure, saying India is fortunate to have him in the squad.

Pathan, speaking on his YouTube channel, highlighted Bumrah’s versatility, praising his command over yorkers, slower balls, outswing, inswing, and bouncers. He emphasised that Bumrah’s cricketing intelligence allows him to read the pitch, conditions, and opposition batsmen, enabling him to make critical breakthroughs when it matters most.

The turning point in the semifinal came during India’s defense of a daunting 253-7 total. England needed 45 runs from the final three overs, but Bumrah bowled a brilliant 18th over, conceding just six runs and delivering four pinpoint yorkers. Hardik Pandya followed with a tight penultimate over, giving away nine runs and dismissing Sam Curran, helping India restrict England to 246/7.

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Earlier, Bumrah also delivered a tight 16th over, conceding only eight runs. Pathan argued that Bumrah should have been named Player of the Match, noting that other bowlers struggled on a flat pitch where 500 runs were scored collectively, while Bumrah handled the most challenging overs effectively.

Pathan also praised Bumrah’s strategy against Harry Brook, explaining how the bowler used a slower delivery instead of sheer pace to trap the batter, eventually leading to Axar Patel taking the catch. His approach, combining skill and tactical acumen, was pivotal in maintaining India’s advantage during critical phases of the match.

India’s batting effort featured a fiery 42-ball 89* from Sanju Samson, supported by impactful cameos from Shivam Dube, Ishan Kishan, Hardik Pandya, and Tilak Varma. Despite Jacob Bethell’s 105-run innings and a late surge from England’s batsmen, India emerged victorious. The final is scheduled for March 8 at Ahmedabad’s Narendra Modi Stadium, where India will face New Zealand in a bid to secure another major ICC title.

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