Kuldeep Yadav returned figures of 2-32 with his left-arm wrist spin to play a key role in India’s 89-run victory via Duckworth Lewis Stern (DLS) method over their arch rivals Pakistan at the Old Trafford in Manchester on Sunday.
Kuldeep got Azam bowled through the gate – the ball nipping between bat and pad – for 48 to end a 104-run second wicket stand involving Fakhar Zaman, who top scored with 62.
“Getting Babar Azam out was the best delivery for me in this tournament. I got him out in the Asia Cup as well,” Yadav told reporters after the match.
“After the rain break I went back and watched that delivery. It had drift and turn, so any spinner will love that delivery.
“It’s a proper dream delivery and a proper Test delivery. Deceiving the batsman in the air and making him commit the mistake. A perfect delivery,” he said with a smile.
Here’s the video:
Kuldeep Yadav's sensational delivery to Babar Azam was adjudged to be yesterday's @Nissan Play of the Day!#INDvPAK | #CWC19 | #TeamIndia pic.twitter.com/sJrUXE7wMB
— ICC (@ICC) June 17, 2019
Kuldeep also sent Zaman packing after the left-handed opener played against the spin to give away an easy catch to Yuzvendra Chahal at short fine leg.
Hardik Pandya and Vijay Shankar also picked two wickets each to restrict Pakistan to 212 for six in a failed chase for their revised target of 302 in 40 overs.