Rohit Sharma’s Team India Dominates England with 68-Run Win, Advances to T20 World Cup Final Against South Africa

The highly anticipated T20 World Cup semi-final between two cricketing powerhouses, India and England, was marred by rain and a damp outfield at Providence Stadium in Guyana on Thursday. The weather-induced interruptions led to a stop-start affair, and even when the dark clouds finally cleared, the pitch remained challenging for batting, deviating from the usual high-scoring nature of T20 contests.

Despite these less-than-ideal conditions, India emerged victorious, thoroughly outplaying England to secure a spot in the T20 World Cup final for the third time, their first appearance in a decade. This win was particularly significant as it allowed India to avenge their 10-wicket defeat to England in the 2022 Adelaide semi-final. India’s comprehensive 68-run victory set up a final showdown with South Africa in Barbados on Saturday.

Opting to bat first after England captain Jos Buttler won the toss and sent them in, India managed to post a competitive total of 171/7 on a tricky surface. The innings was anchored by a solid 73-run partnership for the third wicket between captain Rohit Sharma, who scored 57, and Suryakumar Yadav, who contributed 47. Rohit, fresh off a scintillating 92 against Australia, adjusted his approach to the challenging conditions, ensuring he kept the scoreboard ticking despite not being able to play his usual free-flowing shots.

Virat Kohli provided an early spark with a six but fell soon after for 9, while Rishabh Pant’s brief stay at the crease ended with a catch to Jonny Bairstow off Sam Curran. Suryakumar Yadav, however, was quick to settle in, displaying his innovative strokeplay, including his trademark scoop shot over fine leg. Despite a rain interruption halting their momentum at 65/2 after eight overs, the duo resumed with intent, targeting England’s spinners Adil Rashid and Liam Livingstone effectively. Rohit brought up his half-century with a six off Curran before being bowled by Rashid’s googly. Suryakumar followed soon after, deceived by a slower delivery from Jofra Archer.

India’s bowlers then took charge, with Axar Patel and Kuldeep Yadav each claiming three wickets, ensuring England never gained a foothold in their chase. Buttler’s aggressive start, featuring four boundaries, was abruptly ended by a reverse sweep attempt off Axar that resulted in a catch to Pant. Phil Salt was undone by a Jasprit Bumrah off-cutter, and the rest of England’s batting line-up crumbled under the pressure exerted by India’s spinners. Jonny Bairstow, Moeen Ali, and Sam Curran fell cheaply, leading to a procession of wickets as England were bundled out for 103. This dominant performance by India, overcoming adverse conditions and a formidable opponent, has set the stage for an exciting final against South Africa.

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Author:- Apoorva Arora