Yesterday in Guyana, Providence Stadium engulfed as India confidently triumphed over England in the semi-final of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 by 68 huge runs in a massive display of batting and bowling. The emphatic win yesterday ensured that they now face South Africa in the final.
India, which elected to bat first, began well with Rohit Sharma contributing 42 at a good rate thus laying a solid foundation for his teammates to build on. The efforts of KL Rahul who hit 28 runs while Suryakumar Yadav followed with 34 runs increased the scoreboard. However, it is Axar Patel’s universally known excellence that triggered the growth of total points for India. Only in 20 balls, Patel managed to hit 38 runs during which time he managed to score a six in the last over. Kuldeep Yadav also chipped in with two wickets, restricting England to a paltry 103 runs in their chase.
England’s batting faltered from the outset. Openers Jason Roy and Jos Buttler, known for their explosive starts, were dismissed cheaply. Dawid Malan (24) tried to hold the fort, but wickets fell at regular intervals as the Indian spinners exposed the vulnerability of the English middle order. Chris Jordan (20) provided some late resistance, but it was nowhere near enough to prevent a humiliating defeat.
Axar Patel’s overall performance deservedly won him the Player of the Match award. He played crucially and three wickets taken by him ensured India’s victory.
India who lost to England in the semi-finals of the 2022 World Cup has proved its worth with this win. They are looking forward to playing South Africa in the final who defeated Afghanistan in the first semis. This sets up a mouthwatering clash as both outfits go for their first T20 World Cup trophy.
