* Rohit, Axar, and Kuldeep Lead India to Dominant Win Over England
By Dwayne Ferreira
India’s bid for a world title is on track as they dismantled defending champions England in the T20 World Cup 2024 semi-final, securing a resounding 68-run victory in Providence, Guyana. This win sets up a final clash against a formidable South African team.
On a slow and low-bouncing Guyana pitch, India’s batters managed to post an above-par total of 171. Rohit Sharma’s aggressive approach within the powerplay, scoring at a strike rate of 133, set the tone. He stabilized to score 57 off 39 balls, demonstrating the necessary risk-taking in T20 cricket.
The match was defined by India’s spinners. Axar Patel was instrumental, taking key wickets at crucial moments, including that of England captain Jos Buttler. Kuldeep Yadav also shone, claiming three wickets and showing resilience against a team that once pushed him into white-ball wilderness.
England’s batting lineup crumbled under the pressure of India’s spin trio. Jos Buttler’s dismissal to Axar Patel’s first ball marked the beginning of the end for England. The defending champions were bowled out for a mere 103, with six players failing to reach double digits.
Key Moments:
- Rohit Sharma and Suryakumar Yadav: Their 73-run partnership for the third wicket laid a solid foundation for India.
- Axar Patel’s Early Strikes: Axar’s first three overs each yielded a wicket, dismantling England’s top order.
- Kuldeep Yadav’s Redemption: Kuldeep’s clever variations outfoxed England’s middle order, crucially dismissing Sam Curran and Harry Brook.
With this comprehensive victory, India is just one step away from ending their 11-year wait for a world title. They face South Africa in the final, with the confidence of a well-rounded team performance propelling them forward.
Chief Scores
India 171 for 7 in 20 overs (Rohit Sharma 57, Suryakumar Yadav 47, Chris Jordan 3-37)
England 103 all out in 16.4 overs (Harry Brook 25, Kuldeep Yadav 3-19, Axar Patel 3-23)
Player of the Match –
