T20 World Cup Semi-Final, Guyana
India 171-7 (20 overs): Rohit 57 (39), Suryakumar 47 (36); Jordan 3-37
England 103 (16.4 overs): Brook 25 (19); Kuldeep 3-19, Axar 3-23
India won by 68 runs
England’s defense of the T20 World Cup ended with a crushing 68-run defeat to India in the semi-final in Guyana. Chasing a target of 172 on a challenging pitch, England’s batting lineup collapsed, managing only 103 in 16.4 overs.
Captain Jos Buttler provided a strong start with 23 runs, but his wicket triggered a collapse with England losing four wickets for just 20 runs. Phil Salt, Jonny Bairstow, and Moeen Ali all fell cheaply. The brilliant Kuldeep Yadav, who took 3-19, dismissed Harry Brook for 25, leaving England at 68-6 and the match effectively over.
India’s victory was set up by a solid batting performance, with Rohit Sharma scoring 57 and Suryakumar Yadav contributing 47. Their partnership of 73 from 50 balls helped India reach 171-7 despite the slow pitch. England’s bowlers struggled to contain the Indian batsmen, with only Chris Jordan managing to take three wickets.
India, seeking their first World Cup win in 13 years, will face South Africa, the first-time finalists, in the final in Barbados. Both teams remain unbeaten in the tournament. England, meanwhile, will head home and prepare for their upcoming Test series against the West Indies.
England’s Early Exit
England’s title defense, which started with struggles, saw a brief resurgence in the middle but ended on a disappointing note. They were outclassed by India, who adapted better to the tough conditions and executed their game plan flawlessly.
The match, delayed by rain, saw India posting a challenging total thanks to Rohit and Suryakumar’s partnership. Despite interruptions, India maintained their momentum, and England’s inability to chase highlighted their struggles throughout the tournament.
Questions will be raised about the futures of captain Jos Buttler and coach Matthew Mott, especially after a lackluster defense of the 50-over World Cup last year. They are set to lead England again in September for T20 and ODI series against Australia.
India’s Revenge
India avenged their 10-wicket loss to England in the 2022 semi-finals. This time, Buttler’s dismissal by Axar Patel sparked a collapse, with Salt, Bairstow, and Moeen all failing to make significant contributions.
Kuldeep Yadav and Axar Patel led India’s bowling attack, with Kuldeep’s dismissal of Brook and Axar’s containment efforts proving decisive. England’s batting performance was riddled with errors, including two run-outs, which further tilted the match in India’s favor.
Rohit and Suryakumar Shine
Rohit Sharma and Suryakumar Yadav played crucial roles in India’s innings. Despite early struggles, they built a solid partnership that laid the foundation for a competitive total. England’s bowlers, including Chris Jordan and Adil Rashid, managed to take wickets but couldn’t prevent India from posting a challenging score.
India captain Rohit Sharma praised his team’s adaptability to the conditions and collective effort. England captain Jos Buttler acknowledged India’s superiority and lamented his team’s inability to capitalize on crucial moments.
Player of the Match: Axar Patel
Axar Patel, the standout performer, credited his success to bowling in good areas on a pitch that favored the bowlers. His efforts, along with Kuldeep Yadav’s, restricted England and secured India’s spot in the final.
Credit: BBC Sport
