In a highly anticipated semi-final clash, India exacted sweet revenge on England, clinching a decisive 68-run victory to advance to the final of the T20 World Cup 2024.
Batting first after England won the toss and opted to bowl, India posted a solid total of 171/7, led by a captain’s knock from Rohit Sharma.
Sharma’s blistering 57 runs set the foundation for India, with Suryakumar Yadav adding a vital 47 runs off 36 balls.
Despite early setbacks, including the quick dismissals of Virat Kohli for 9 and Rishabh Pant for 4, India recovered well.
Kohli’s dismissal by Reece Topley and Pant’s by Sam Curran during the powerplay put India under early pressure, but the experienced duo of Sharma and Yadav ensured a competitive score on the board.
Rain interruptions could not dampen India’s spirit. The middle order, bolstered by valuable contributions, ensured that England would face a challenging chase.
Sharma’s leadership and strategic batting anchored the innings, while Yadav’s aggressive stroke play kept the momentum going.
England’s response started on a promising note with skipper Jos Buttler attacking early, scoring a rapid 25 off 13 balls. However, his dismissal by Axar Patel on the first ball of the fourth over triggered a dramatic collapse.
Patel, along with Kuldeep Yadav, wreaked havoc on England’s lineup, each taking three crucial wickets. Buttler’s wicket was the turning point that shifted the match decisively in India’s favor.
The English batsmen struggled against the disciplined Indian bowling attack. Apart from brief resistance from Harry Brook, who scored 25 off 19 balls, and Jofra Archer’s 21 off 15, no other player managed to reach double figures.
Jasprit Bumrah chipped in with two important wickets, while two more England batsmen were run out, highlighting India’s exceptional fielding performance.
Axar Patel and Kuldeep Yadav’s spin duo proved too much for England, as the team crumbled to a total of 103 all out. India’s bowlers executed their plans to perfection, supported by sharp fielding that left England with no chance to recover.
India have remained unbeaten throughout the tournament. Their comprehensive win over England serves as sweet revenge for the past defeat in the semi-final of the 2019 ODI World Cup and 2022 T20 World Cup, setting the stage for an epic final showdown against South Africa on Sunday.
