In the Semi-Final 2 of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024, India beat England by 68 runs at the Providence Stadium in Guyana.
Jos Buttler won the toss and asked India to bat first. Indian captain Rohit Sharma (57) produced an excellent start after losing Virat Kohli (9) in the third over. Mr Hitman played at a strike rate of 146.15, hitting six fours and two sixes that helped India maintain momentum throughout the inning. Helping him from the other end, Suryakumar Yadav (47) also had an impactful knock. Mr. 360 exhibited terrific form, smashing four fours and two sixes. Both batters added 73 runs together for the third wicket partnership, which was the major factor behind India posting such a massive score of 171/7 in 20 overs. While Shivam Dube awfully got out for a duck, the likes of Hardik Pandya (23), Ravindra Jadeja (17*) and Axar Patel (10) also contributed quickfire runs.
In the chase, Phil Salt lost his wicket pretty early, while skipper Buttler (23) provided a decent start. The skipper got out after facing 15 deliveries and scoring at a strike rate of 153. On such a wicket, it was important for batters in good touch to stay long and bat deep. Harry Brook (25) also demonstrated a similar style of play as he scored a few runs but was unable to carry on it. Jofra Archer (21) did his best in the end, but the outcome was only a matter of time.
While defending, it was spinner’s show in Guyana, which helped India punch aside the defending champions. Spin twin Kuldeep Yadav and Axar Patel scalped three wickets each while just giving away 19 and 23 runs, respectively. While Axar cleaned up the top order, Kuldeep did damage to middle-order batters. Moreover, Jasprit Bumrah also grabbed two wickets.
For England with the ball, Chris Jordan picked up three wickets in three overs, while one wicket each was taken by Reece Topley, Jofra Archer, Sam Curran, and Adil Rashid.
Axar Patel was adjudged Player of the Match for his outstanding bowling show. Following this win, India have now qualified for the Finals and will take on South Africa on June 29.
Scorecard:
India: 171/7, Overs 20, Rohit Sharma 57, Chris Jordan 3/37
England: 103/10, Overs 16.4, Harry Brook 25, Kuldeep Yadav 3/19