Skipper Rohit Sharma’s elegance was complemented by the prowess of Axar Patel and Kuldeep Yadav as India defeated defending champions England by 68 runs to advance to the final of the T20 World Cup. This win helps India put to rest the memories of the 2022 World Cup.
Rohit Sharma has now become the first Indian captain to lead the country to three ICC global finals within a span of 12 months – the 2023 World Test Championship, 2023 ODI World Cup, and now the T20 World Cup.
Rohit Sharma contributed a valuable 57 runs off 39 balls on a challenging track where the ball was keeping low. This helped India post a total of 171 for 7 in 20 overs. Suryakumar Yadav also played a crucial innings, scoring 47 off 36 balls, while Hardik Pandya’s quick 23 off 13 balls, including two powerful sixes, provided a late boost. Ravindra Jadeja (17) and Axar Patel (10) also made important contributions.
In response, England struggled and lost wickets regularly, eventually getting all out for 103 in 16.4 overs. Axar Patel (3/23 in 4 overs) and Kuldeep Yadav (3/19 in 4 overs) were the standout bowlers for India. Jasprit Bumrah also chipped in with 2 wickets for 12 runs in 2.4 overs, including a classic slow off-cutter to dismiss Phil Salt.
