Bowlers fired in unison

One of the standout features of India’s triumphant campaign was the Jasprit Bumrah-led bowling line-up, who defended modest totals on challenging pitches in the Caribbean and the USA. India bowled out Ireland for 96 and did not let arch-rivals Pakistan chase a mere 120-run target. In the final, India were in a rough spot, with South Africa needing just 30 in 30, but the pacers choked the Proteas, who managed only 22 off the last five overs.

Hardik on a high

Hardik Pandya, who was trolled following Mumbai Indians’s bottom-placed IPL finish just days before the World Cup, didn’t let it affect him. The all‑rounder averaged 48.00, scoring 144 runs in six innings, while his right-arm medium pace got him 11 wickets. Pandya dismissed half-centurion Heinrich Klaasen and Miller to turn the tide in India’s favour in the final vs SA.