India's spinners dominate as the team celebrates a crucial wicket during their semi-final victory against England in the T20 World Cup 2024 at Providence Stadium, Guyana. © Twitter (@ICC)
Providence, Guyana – June 27, 2024: India’s march towards T20 World Cup glory continued unabated as they handed defending champions England a comprehensive 68-run defeat in the 2nd semi-final at Providence Stadium. A stellar all-round performance, highlighted by disciplined batting and a spin bowling masterclass, propelled India into the final, where they will face a formidable South African side.
Match Summary
India 171/7 (20) | |
| Rohit Sharma 57 (39) | Chris Jordan 3/37 (3) |
| Suryakumar Yadav 47 (36) | Adil Rashid 1/25 (4) |
| Hardik Pandya 23 (13) | Reece Topley 1/25 (3) |
England 103 (16.4) | |
| Harry Brook 25 (19) | Kuldeep Yadav 3/19 (4) |
| Jos Buttler 23 (15) | Axar Patel 3/23 (4) |
| Jofra Archer 21 (15) | Jasprit Bumrah 2/12 (2.4) |
Toss: ENG won the toss and decided to bowl
Stadium: Providence Stadium
Result: India won by 68 runs
Player of the Match: Axar Patel (IND) – 3/23 (4) & 10 (6)
Rohit Sharma Leads from the Front
India set the tone early after being put into bat by England. Rohit Sharma, India’s captain, played a pivotal innings, scoring a brisk 57 off 39 balls. Despite the tricky pitch conditions, his aggressive approach during the powerplay was instrumental in setting up a solid foundation. Partnering with Suryakumar Yadav, who contributed a valuable 47 off 36 balls, the duo added crucial runs, ensuring India posted a competitive total of 171 for 7.
England’s Bowling Efforts
England’s bowlers, led by Chris Jordan (3 for 37), attempted to stifle the Indian batting lineup. Adil Rashid’s recovery post-rain break was noteworthy, as he contained the flow of runs and picked up Rohit’s vital wicket. However, India’s lower-order batsmen, including Hardik Pandya (23 off 13), capitalized in the death overs, adding 33 runs in the last two overs against Jordan and Archer to reach a challenging score.
Spin Magic
The Providence pitch, known for its spin-friendly nature, was tailor-made for India’s three-pronged spin attack. Axar Patel emerged as the hero, claiming 3 for 23 in his four overs and taking home the Player of the Match award. His immediate impact, removing Jos Buttler with his first delivery, set the tone for England’s collapse.
Kuldeep Yadav, seeking redemption against the team that had previously troubled him, was equally impressive with figures of 3 for 19. His dismissal of Sam Curran and Harry Brook showcased his tactical brilliance, bamboozling the English batters with his variations. Ravindra Jadeja and Jasprit Bumrah provided crucial support, ensuring no respite for the English batting order.
England’s Batting Woes
England’s chase faltered from the outset. Despite a promising start by Jos Buttler (23 off 15), the team struggled against India’s spinners. Harry Brook’s 25 scored the highest, underscoring the batting unit’s struggle against disciplined bowling. England’s middle and lower order crumbled under pressure, with six batsmen failing to reach double figures.
A critical run-out of Liam Livingstone encapsulated England’s frustrating innings. The defending champions capitulated for a paltry 103 in 16.4 overs, handing India a resounding victory.
Path to the Final
This victory propels India into the final, ending an 11-year wait for a world title. With a formidable South African team standing between them and the trophy, India will be buoyed by their comprehensive performance against England. The final is an exciting clash as India seeks to regain their position at the top of T20 cricket.
India’s comprehensive victory over England in the semi-final underscores their dominant form and sets the stage for an electrifying final against South Africa. As Rohit Sharma and his team look to end their title drought, cricket fans worldwide eagerly await a thrilling conclusion to the T20 World Cup 2024.
