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ICC T20 World Cup 2024: Fans React As India Reach The Final After A Thumping Win Over England

Darvesh Bhola

In a familiar scene often witnessed on Test tours to the subcontinent, a dramatic saga unfolded in the semi-final of the men’s T20 World Cup in humid Guyana. England faced a staggering 68-run defeat against India, setting up a final clash between India and South Africa at Kensington Oval.

Rohit Sharma’s team piled up 171 for seven amidst interruptions, revealing that the sluggish pitch at Providence Stadium would challenge any pursuit. This target surpassed the one England annihilated in the 2022 semi-final in Adelaide, a distant memory now.

The defending champions faltered, bowled out for a meagre 103 in 16.4 overs, courtesy of India’s mesmerizing spinners. Jos Buttler, winning his sixth toss in eight matches, opted to chase, but India’s decision to bat first proved prescient. Sharma’s 57 off 39 balls set the stage, with Axar Patel (3/23) and Kuldeep Yadav (3/19) weaving spells to secure India’s eighth consecutive victory and a shot at ending their 11-year global trophy drought.

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Jasprit Bumrah played his part, dismissing Phil Salt and Jofra Archer with his pace variations, but the real heroes were the spin duo. Patel’s crucial wickets earned him the Player of the Match accolade, triggering England’s collapse when Buttler’s dismissal initiated a fatal sequence. Bairstow fell for a duck, Moeen Ali’s clumsy stumping followed, and Yadav’s artistry further dismantled the English lineup, reminiscent of his exploits in Dharamsala earlier in the year.

England, true to form, added two run-outs to their dismal tally, succumbing predominantly to high-quality spin. Despite moments of promise, including Archer’s early chances and Jordan’s late strikes, England couldn’t sustain momentum. Sharma and Suryakumar Yadav’s partnership bolstered India, despite occasional setbacks, ultimately reaching a competitive total bolstered by Hardik Pandya’s late flourish and Patel’s emphatic six in the final over.

The match’s narrative highlighted India’s tactical acumen and England’s struggle against spin on challenging surfaces. For the former champions, this defeat prompts introspection amidst a disappointing campaign against top-tier teams. As India eyes redemption in the final, England faces a period of reflection on their strategic decisions and technical shortcomings in a match that turned into a showcase of spin mastery and tactical nous.

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