Doesn't get better than this – Jasprit Bumrah after match-winning performance
They say that the masters of the game save it for last, and once again Jasprit Bumrah proved this to the hilt. As New Zealand tried to chase a target of 255 in the T20 World Cup 2026 final, Bumrah started strong with the ball. However, the second spell he bowled was a blazing testimony to the sheer brilliance Bumrah brings to the mix.
Bumrah recorded figures of 4/15, his best T20I figures, leaving New Zealand absolutely rattled. Not only did he leave the Kiwis in utter disarray but he also won the Player of the Match award for his sensational performance. At the post-match presentation, Bumrah spoke at length about the wicket and highlighted how he approaches his business, especially in the shortest format of the game.
Shedding light on his mindset for the final, Bumrah said, “It feels extremely special because I’ve played one final at my home venue and you know, couldn’t win that one, but this one feels really special. I was really motivated. I was really clear. I knew what I wanted to do. The wicket was a flat one, so I played all my cricket here, so I used all my experience.”
He also revealed his headspace ahead of the tournament, adding, “Today was a wonderful day where all the execution went as per plan. So, yeah, really happy, really grateful. God is really kind. So, before this tournament, I was in that zone where I felt I was trying too hard because I was bowling really well, but somewhere or the other way, I was feeling that maybe I’m trying too hard.”
Bumrah concluded by saying, “But in this format, I let the game come to me. I was clear. I used to prepare and then read the situation and believe in myself. That is what I tried to do in this tournament. It worked really well for me. So, yeah, my individual assessment of my game has always been my strength. So, yeah, couldn’t be really happy. It couldn’t be more special than this to win Man of the Match here, World Cup finals, started my cricket here. Doesn’t get better than this.”
