Team India's pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah met American basketball legend John Starks ahead of the T20 World Cup 2024 Group A clash against Pakistan at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in New York on Sunday, June 9.
The toss for the match between India and Pakistan was delayed due to rain in New York, and the clash began an hour after the scheduled time. Indian players were warming up after the covers were taking off the pitch. On the sidelines of the warm-up session, Bumrah met John Starks in the stadium.
In a video shared by NBA on its Instagram, T20 World Cup 2024 brand ambassador Yuvraj Singh was seen introducing Jasprit Bumrah to John Starks. Bumrah asked Starks whether has he watch cricket live before at the stadium and in response, former American baller said it was his first cricket stadium appearance.
However, Indian pacer was kind enough to explain cricket to John Starks, saying that it's a bit faster than baseball, one of the most popular sports in the USA.
In another video shared by NBA, John Starks also met Team India's talismanic batter Virat Kohli on the sidelines of the warm-up session. As usual, Kohli was humble upon meeting the NBA legend as he addressed Starks as 'Sir'. Former India captain asked John Starks whether he understands cricket and former American basketball player credited Yuvraj Singh and said, "Getting taught by the best.”
Then, Kohli and Yuvraj Singh had a fun moment and the latter joked about former Team India's all-rounder knees.
Talking about the match, India registered a narrow 6-run win over Pakistan. After being bundled out for 119 in 19 overs, India defend their total as they managed to restrict Pakistan to 113/7. Mohammad Rizwan led Pakistan's batting with a mediocre innings of 31 off 44 balls.
Jasprit Bumrah was the star bowler as he registered the figures of 3/14 with an economy rate of 3.50 in four overs.
Rohit Sharma-led Team India will return to action for their third match of Group A against the co-hosts USA at the Nassau County International Stadium in New York on Wednesday, June 12.
