PROVIDENCE: Rohit Sharma’s explosive half-century propelled India to a commanding total of 171/7 against England in the second semi-final of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 at Providence Stadium on Thursday.
Put into bat first, India faced an early setback as Virat Kohli failed to make an impact yet again, departing for only 9 runs in the third over bowled by Reece Topley. The Indian innings further stumbled when wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant fell to Sam Curran after contributing just 4 runs.
Amidst the pressure, Rohit Sharma anchored India’s innings with a resilient knock, equally supported by Suryakumar Yadav. The duo rebuilt India’s innings with a crucial partnership, guiding their team to a stable position after the early jolts.
Rohit Sharma displayed his class with a 39-ball 57, featuring six boundaries and two sixes, before falling to Adil Rashid in the 14th over. Suryakumar Yadav followed suit, scoring 47 off 36 deliveries, including four fours and two sixes, before Jofra Archer dismissed him in the 16th over.
Hardik Pandya then provided a late flourish, smashing 23 off 13 balls with one four and two sixes, before falling to Chris Jordan in the 18th over. Jordan struck again immediately, sending Shivam Dube back without scoring, as India faced a brief stumble towards the end of their innings.
Ravindra Jadeja and Axar Patel added crucial runs in the final overs, steering India to a competitive total of 171/7 in their allotted 20 overs. Jadeja remained not out on 17 off nine balls as Patel contributed a quickfire 10 off six deliveries.
For England, Chris Jordan was the most successful bowler with three wickets, albeit at an expensive economy rate. Adil Rashid, Reece Topley, Jofra Archer, and Sam Curran also chipped in with crucial breakthroughs, each taking a wicket apiece.
The outcome of this semi-final will determine the finalist against South Africa in the T20 World Cup 2024, scheduled to take place at Kensington Oval, Barbados on June 29.
India Playing XI
Rohit Sharma (capt), Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant (wk), Suryakumar Yadav, Shivam Dube, Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Ravindra Jadeja, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah
England Playing XI
Jos Buttler (capt & wk), Phil Salt, Jonny Bairstow, Harry Brook, Moeen Ali, Liam Livingstone, Sam Curran, Chris Jordan, Jofra Archer, Adil Rashid, Reece Topley
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