India posted a competitive total of 171/7 against England in the second semifinal of the 2024 T20 World Cup, thanks to a gritty half-century from captain Rohit Sharma and valuable contributions from the middle order in the match of India vs England.
Opting to bat first, India lost Yashavi Jaiswal early, but Rohit and Virat steadied the innings with a 54-run stand. Kohli struggled for fluency and was dismissed for 17, bringing Suryakumar Yadav to the crease. Rohit brought up his fifty off 35 balls but fell soon after for 57.
Hardik Pandiya and Ravindra Jadeja then launched a counterattack, adding 49 runs off 27 balls to propel India past 150. Pandya smashed 35 off 18 balls, while Jadeja made 27 off 14. Jasprit Bumrah and Arshdeep provided the late flourish, taking India to 171/7 in their 20 overs.
Adil Rashid was the pick of the bowlers for England with 3/27, while Jofra Archer and Sam Curran chipped in with two wickets each.
Key Performances
- Rohit Sharma: 57 off 41 balls, 6 fours, 2 sixes
- Hardik Pandya: 35 off 18 balls, 3 fours, 2 sixes
- Ravindra Jadeja: 27 off 14 balls, 2 fours, 2 sixes
- Adil Rashid: 4 overs, 3/27
Turning Point
The partnership[ between Pandya and Jadeja in the death overs proved crucial in taking India to a competitive total. Their aggressive batting allowed India to post a challenging target for England to chase.
What the Numbers Say
- India’s innings were built around Rohit’s 57, who hit his 31st T20l fifty. He has now scored the most fifties for India in the format.
- Pandya’s 35 came at a strike rate of 194.44, while Jadeja scored his runs 192.86. Their cameos ensured India finished strongly.
- Rashid’s 3/27 were his best bowling figures in a T20 World Cup semifinal. He dismissed Kohli, Suryakumar, and Pant to peg India back in the middle overs.
What the Experts Say
“India will be pleased with their total, especially after losing early wickets. Rohit set the platform, but it was Pandya and Jadeja who took the game away from England with their late onslaught. 171 is a challenging score on this pitch,” Said former India captain Sunil Gavaskar.
“England will be disappointed with their bowling in the last five overs. They let India get away after doing well to peg them back in the middle. Rashid was excellent, but the other bowlers will need to step up if they are to chase this down,” added ex-England skipper Nasser Hussain.
What’s Next
India vs England match India will look to their bowlers, led by Bumrah and Kuldeep Yadav, to defend the total and avenge their 2022 semifinal defeat to England. The match hangs in the balance, with both teams having a chance to reach the final in Barbados.
