Jasprit Bumrah’s Best Spells in White-Ball Cricket

Jasprit Bumrah. The name itself evokes images of an unorthodox, sling action, toe-crushing yorkers, deceptive slower balls, and batsmen looking utterly bamboozled. Since his debut, Bumrah has been India's pace spearhead, particularly lethal in the pressure-cooker environments of One Day Internationals (ODIs) and T20 Internationals (T20Is). His ability to strike at any stage of the game – opening burst, middle overs squeeze, or death overs mastery – makes him arguably the world's premier all-phase white-ball bowler.

Picking just a few "best" spells is tough, given his consistent brilliance. However, some performances stand out for their sheer impact, skill execution, and match-defining nature. Let's revisit some of Jasprit Bumrah's most memorable white-ball spells:

The Demolition Job: 6/19 vs England, The Oval, 2022 (ODI)

This wasn't just a great spell; it was utter carnage. On a helpful, overcast London morning, Bumrah produced a masterclass in swing and seam bowling. He ripped through England's formidable top order, dismissing Jason Roy, Joe Root, and Jonny Bairstow (two of them for ducks) in his opening burst. Liam Livingstone was cleaned up by a searing delivery later. Bumrah returned to pick up two more, finishing with astonishing figures of 6 for 19 in just 7.2 overs – his career-best in ODIs and the best by an Indian against England. It was a spell that single-handedly decided the contest.

The Chokehold: 2/39 vs Afghanistan, Southampton, 2019 (ODI World Cup)

Defending a modest 224 in a crucial World Cup encounter, India needed their bowlers to step up, and Jasprit Bumrah delivered magnificently. While Mohammed Shami grabbed headlines with a final-over hat-trick, it was Bumrah's suffocating spells that built the pressure. He bowled two overs in the middle phase (overs 27 & 29) conceding just one run and taking the crucial wicket of Rahmat Shah. He returned at the death, delivering pinpoint yorkers and variations. His figures of 2/39 from 10 overs don’t tell the full story, but his second spell was instrumental in strangling the chase and setting up the thrilling finish. His crucial wickets and impeccable economy under immense pressure were vital.

The Death Overs Heist: 2/20 vs England, Nagpur, 2017 (T20I)

This spell is a classic example of Bumrah's genius at the death. India, defending a meagre 144, needed something special. England required just 8 runs off the final over with Joe Root and Jos Buttler at the crease. Bumrah stepped up. He conceded just two singles off the first four balls, dismissing Root and Buttler (though Buttler was earlier, Root was in the final over), and executed his yorkers and variations flawlessly under extreme pressure. He conceded only 2 runs in that final over, sealing an improbable 5-run victory for India. It remains one of the finest displays of death bowling in T20I history.

Breaking the Stand: 2/19 vs Pakistan, Ahmedabad, 2023 (ODI World Cup)

On the biggest stage, against arch-rivals Pakistan in a packed home stadium, Bumrah delivered when it mattered most. Pakistan were cruising at 155/2 with Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan building a strong partnership. Bumrah was reintroduced and immediately made an impact. He produced a beautiful delivery that nipped back in to castle Rizwan (49). Soon after, he deceived Shadab Khan with a slower cutter. Jasprit Bumrah ODI wickets triggered a dramatic collapse, as Pakistan crumbled from 155/2 to 191 all out.

Also Read - The Rise of India’s Strike Weapon: Jasprit Bumrah’s Greatest Test Triumphs

Conclusion

These are just glimpses into the genius of Jasprit Bumrah in white-ball cricket. His unique action, combined with incredible control, pace variation, and a calm temperament under pressure, makes him a captain's dream and a batsman's nightmare. From Jasprit Bumrah ODI career, we can surely expect many more such match-winning spells from India's pace ace.

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