In an electrifying semi-final clash at the T20 World Cup 2024, India secured a commanding 68-run victory over England, earning their spot in the final against South Africa. Cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar took to social media to applaud India’s stellar performance, highlighting the crucial contributions of the team’s bowlers and batsmen. The match, held at Providence Stadium in Guyana, saw India avenge their 2022 World Cup semi-final defeat to England in spectacular fashion.
India’s Batting Brilliance Sets Up Competitive Total
India’s innings began with skipper Rohit Sharma setting an aggressive tone by hitting a boundary in the first over. Despite losing Virat Kohli early to Reece Topley, Sharma continued to dominate, forging a vital partnership with Suryakumar Yadav. The duo added 73 runs, with Sharma scoring a solid 57 and Yadav contributing 47 runs. Their efforts helped India post a competitive total of 171/7, aided by late contributions from Axar Patel and Ravindra Jadeja.
Sachin Tendulkar, commenting on India’s batting performance, wrote on X (formerly Twitter): “On a challenging pitch, India batted brilliantly to reach 171. Our total of 171 was slightly above the par score of 167, but our bowling made it feel far beyond that. A superb team effort!”
Spinners Lead India’s Bowling Charge
England, in pursuit of 172, got off to a strong start with Jos Buttler and Philip Salt finding the boundary with ease. However, India’s bowlers, led by Axar Patel and Kuldeep Yadav, soon took control. Axar struck early, removing Buttler and Bairstow, while Kuldeep’s middle-over magic dismantled England’s batting lineup. Kuldeep took crucial wickets, including Sam Curran and Chris Jordan, finishing with impressive figures of 3-19.
Reflecting on the spinners’ performance, Tendulkar praised their impact: “@akshar2026’s crucial strikes on the first ball of his first 3 overs & @imkuldeep18’s middle-over wizardry spun England out.”
England’s hopes dwindled as they struggled to counter India’s spin attack. Harry Brook showed some resistance with a 25-run knock, but his dismissal by Kuldeep marked the end of England’s chase. The defending champions were bowled out for just 103 runs, handing India a convincing 68-run victory. Jofra Archer’s brief cameo provided some late cheer for England fans, but it was not enough to change the outcome.
India Marches to the Final
With this win, India advanced to their first T20 World Cup final in a decade, where they will face South Africa. The last time India reached the final was in 2014, where they lost to Sri Lanka. This victory not only avenged their previous semi-final defeat to England but also showcased India’s readiness to claim the title.
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