Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai
Mumbai, Mar 6: A brilliant all-round display led by Jasprit Bumrah and Axar Patel helped India national cricket team defeat England national cricket team by seven runs in a thrilling semi-final of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup at the Wankhede Stadium on Thursday, securing India a place in the tournament final.
Batting first, India posted a formidable 253 runs, powered by explosive contributions from Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson, and Shivam Dube. The total set a daunting target for England, as no team had previously chased more than 200 runs in a T20 World Cup knockout match.
England began aggressively, racing to 37 for 1 in the early overs on a flat pitch offering little assistance to bowlers. However, India turned the tide through key moments in the field, particularly two stunning catches by Axar Patel.
The first came in the fifth over when Bumrah deceived Harry Brook with a slower delivery. Brook attempted a lofted shot towards long-off, only for Axar to sprint back and complete a difficult catch under the lights. Later, Axar produced another remarkable effort near the boundary to dismiss Will Jacks, relaying the ball to Dube after nearly losing balance.
Despite the setbacks, England remained in the hunt. At one stage they required 69 runs from the final five overs, keeping the contest finely balanced.
Bumrah then delivered a decisive spell in the death overs. Returning in the 17th over, he conceded just eight runs, tightening the pressure. In the 18th over, the pace spearhead followed it up with a series of pinpoint yorkers and low full tosses, giving away only six runs and effectively sealing the match.
England eventually fell seven runs short, handing India a hard-fought victory and a spot in the final.
Speaking after the match, Axar described his catch to dismiss Brook as one of his best efforts. Player of the match Sanju Samson also praised Bumrah’s decisive bowling at the death, saying he would have gladly handed the award to the fast bowler.
With the win, India advance to the T20 World Cup final, while England’s campaign ends after a closely fought contest in front of a packed Wankhede crowd.