Former Bangladesh captain Mashrafe Bin Mortaza has heaped praise on Indian fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah, describing him as a rare talent who appears only once in a generation.
Bumrah once again showed his value under pressure during the semi-final of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup between the India national cricket team and the England cricket team at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on Thursday.
In a match dominated by runs, Bumrah’s death-over spell proved decisive. With England requiring 45 runs from the final three overs, India captain Suryakumar Yadav handed the ball to the experienced pacer.
Bumrah immediately applied pressure, beginning the 18th over with a pinpoint yorker to Sam Curran that denied the batter any scoring opportunity. He conceded just six runs in the over, leaving England needing 39 from the final two overs — a target they ultimately failed to chase down as India secured a seven-run victory to reach the final.
Mashrafe said it is extremely difficult to find a bowler capable of controlling a high-scoring match in the way Bumrah does.
Writing on his social media account, the former Bangladesh captain said:
“Jasprit Bumrah, you have shown how to cook without oil. What a bowler you are. A player like you comes only once in every era.”
Earlier, India posted 253 for 7 after being asked to bat first. Sanju Samson played a crucial role, scoring 89 off 43 balls with eight fours and seven sixes.
Samson had earlier been dropped on 15 when Harry Brook missed a catch at mid-on off the bowling of Jofra Archer.
The wicketkeeper-batter was later named player of the match, although he insisted Bumrah deserved the award for his decisive bowling at the death.
Speaking after the match, Samson said Bumrah’s spell changed the course of the game and described him as a world-class bowler who delivers when the team needs him most.
India will now face the New Zealand national cricket team in the final on Sunday at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.
India will be aiming to defend their title, while New Zealand will be seeking their first crown in the tournament. The Black Caps previously reached the final in 2021 but finished runners-up after losing to the Australia national cricket team.
