India’s resounding 68-run victory over England in the T20 World Cup 2024 semi-final has propelled them into the final for the first time in a decade. The match, played in Guyana, sets up an eagerly anticipated title clash with South Africa in Barbados on Saturday. Rohit Sharma’s exceptional leadership and batting prowess were on full display from the outset. Despite losing the toss and being asked to bat on a challenging pitch, Sharma’s confidence paid dividends. His quick 36-ball fifty, supported by Suryakumar Yadav’s brisk 47, helped India reach a formidable total of 171 runs. Their crucial 72-run partnership neutralized England’s spin attack and ensured India posted a competitive score.
England faced significant challenges in their response. Jasprit Bumrah and spinners Kuldeep Yadav and Axar Patel exploited the spin-friendly conditions reminiscent of Ahmedabad in 2021. Bumrah’s skillful bowling and the spin duo’s precision dismantled England’s batting lineup. Patel and Yadav collectively took six wickets, highlighting England’s struggles against spin. England, who had previously defeated India by ten wickets in the last T20 World Cup semi-final, found themselves under pressure from the start. Captain Jos Buttler’s early dismissal of Patel set the tone for their downfall. Subsequent dismissals of Phil Salt, Moeen Ali, and Jonny Bairstow compounded their woes.
Kuldeep Yadav played a pivotal role with his excellent spin bowling, claiming crucial wickets including Sam Curran and Harry Brook, while Liam Livingstone’s run-out dashed any remaining hopes for England. Bumrah completed England’s demise, bowling them out for just 103 runs in 16.4 overs. India’s comprehensive victory not only avenged their previous defeat but also highlighted their resurgence on the global stage. It marks India’s consecutive finals appearances in all three major ICC tournaments—the World Test Championship, the ODI World Cup, and now the T20 World Cup—showcasing their consistent excellence under Sharma’s captaincy.
Sharma’s tactical acumen was evident throughout. He assessed the pitch well, leading by example despite the early dismissals of Virat Kohli and Rishabh Pant. Sharma’s aggressive approach, highlighted by his fifty off 36 balls, underscored his reputation as a big-match player. India’s bowlers then took center stage, with Sharma introducing spin early on. Patel struck first, removing Buttler with a reverse sweep, and Yadav and Bumrah followed up with crucial breakthroughs. The spin-friendly Guyana pitch played into India’s hands, allowing them to dominate England’s batting lineup effectively. As India prepares to face South Africa in the final, they do so with confidence and momentum. The victory against England was a clear statement of intent, showcasing their readiness to claim the T20 World Cup title after a decade. With a strong blend of experienced leaders and dynamic players, India aims to bring the trophy home, capping off their remarkable journey in this tournament.