In a gripping semi-final of the men’s T20 World Cup in steamy Guyana, India dismantled England with a formidable spin attack, securing a 68-run victory and booking their place in the final against unbeaten South Africa at Kensington Oval on Saturday.
Rohit Sharma's side posted 171 for seven, navigating through an 80-minute rain interruption on a slow, low Providence Stadium pitch that proved challenging for any chase. This target was three runs higher than the one England easily overcame in the 2022 semi-final, but the conditions were vastly different from Adelaide.
Defending champions England, now dethroned, were bowled out for just 103 in 16.4 overs, thanks to a masterclass from India’s spinners. Despite winning the toss and opting to chase, Jos Buttler's decision backfired spectacularly.
Sharma, who preferred to bat first, struck 57 off 39 balls to set up a competitive total. His strategic insight paid off as Axar Patel (3 for 23) and Kuldeep Yadav (3 for 19) orchestrated England's downfall, extending India’s winning streak to eight and giving them a shot at ending their 11-year global trophy drought.
Jasprit Bumrah also contributed significantly, dismissing Phil Salt with a slower ball and sealing England's fate by trapping Jofra Archer lbw with a yorker. However, it was the spinners who stole the show. Patel earned the Player of the Match award for his pivotal role in England’s collapse.
The chaos began when Buttler attempted a reverse sweep off Patel’s first ball, only to glove a catch to the keeper. Jonny Bairstow was bowled for a duck by Patel, attempting to drive a skiddy delivery, while Moeen Ali's poor footwork led to a stumping.
Kuldeep Yadav’s three-wicket haul evoked memories of his exploits in Dharamsala earlier this year, where his left-arm wrist-spin secured a 3-1 Test series win over England. Yadav trapped Sam Curran lbw with a wrong ’un, bowled Harry Brook round his legs, and trapped Chris Jordan plumb in front, extinguishing any English hopes.
Adding to England's woes were two run-outs, with Liam Livingstone and Adil Rashid falling short of their ground. Ultimately, England's inability to handle high-quality spin led to their downfall.
This collapse, part of a disappointing campaign where England lost three of their four games against full member opposition, is likely to prompt an internal review. As the former champions head home, India prepares to face South Africa in what promises to be an electrifying final.
