England’s bid to defend their T20 World Cup title came to a disappointing end with a crushing 68-run defeat by India in the semi-final. Despite a promising start, England’s batters faltered on a challenging pitch, succumbing to a total of 103 all out in 16.4 overs.
Chasing a target of 172, England captain Jos Buttler offered hope with a quick 23 but fell as the first wicket in a collapse that saw four wickets fall for just 20 runs. Phil Salt managed only five, Jonny Bairstow was dismissed for a three-ball duck, and Moeen Ali scored eight off ten balls.
Kuldeep Yadav’s impressive performance (3-19) was pivotal, including the crucial dismissal of Harry Brook for 25. England found themselves at 68-6, with the game slipping away. The situation was compounded by two unfortunate run-outs.
England’s bowlers struggled to contain the Indian batting duo of Rohit Sharma and Suryakumar Yadav, whose partnership of 73 runs from 50 balls propelled India to a formidable 171-7. Rohit top-scored with 57, while Suryakumar contributed 47.
India, aiming for their first World Cup title in 13 years, will face first-time finalists South Africa in the final in Barbados, a clash of the tournament’s two unbeaten teams.
England, returning home on Friday, will regroup for their upcoming three-match Test series against the West Indies, starting on July 10.
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