28 June,2024 11:31 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Axar Patel (L), Suryakumar Yadav (R) and Rohit Sharma (C) of India celebrate the dismissal of Jos Buttler of England. Pic/AFP
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The rain that disrupted India's final league stage contest with Canada last Saturday, shifted from Florida's Lauderhill up the northern coast to Guyana on Thursday, prompting concerns that an extensive and much scrutinised tournament could face ruin by inclement weather.
India's semi-final clash against England at Georgetown was always likely to encounter interruptions, exacerbated by an unsettled weather outlook persisting until the weekend. Had rain really played a spoilsport, India would have had it even easier - they would have made it to the final anyhow by virtue of their superior standing over the English in the Super Eight stage.
The grand finale is scheduled for Saturday, as India prepares to face South Africa following a commanding 68-run victory. Thanks to the spinners who nullified England's aggression, erasing the bitter memory of their ten-wicket defeat in 2022.
India captain Rohit Sharma, content with the victory, highlighted on Friday the importance of adjusting to the demanding conditions that paved the way for their first appearance in a T20 World Cup final in a decade.
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"Very satisfying to win this game. We worked really hard as a unit. To win this game like that was a great effort from everybody. We adapted to the conditions really well. The conditions were a little challenging, we had to adapt, and that's been the success story for us so far till this game. The bowlers and the batters, if they play according to the conditions, things fall in place, and that's exactly what happened for us today," he said.
The defending champions, England, came out aggressively but were overwhelmed by India's unbeaten streak. This final marks India's return to the pinnacle after a decade, having last played a final in 2014 against Sri Lanka.
Jos Buttler and Philip Salt provided England with a solid start, finding boundaries effortlessly. Arshdeep Singh tightened the screws after an initial onslaught, but Buttler countered with three boundaries off his slower deliveries.
England maintained a healthy run rate, reminding Indian fans of the World Cup semi-final from not more than two years ago. However, Axar Patel turned the tide with a pivotal wicket of Buttler (23), employing a spinning delivery that induced a crucial error.
Jasprit Bumrah capitalised on the breakthrough, dismissing Salt for five with a well-executed slower delivery. Patel's consistent bounce troubled Jonny Bairstow, culminating in his dismissal for a three-ball duck. Kuldeep Yadav further deepened England's woes, claiming crucial wickets including Moeen Ali and Sam Curran. Harry Brook briefly countered with a reverse sweep boundary but fell victim to Kuldeep's deceptive flipper soon after.
Kuldeep completed his three-wicket haul by removing Chris Jordan, paving the way for England's collapse to 103 all out. India's disciplined bowling and strategic changes by Sharma ensured a convincing victory and a place in the final.
Earlier, a resilient partnership between Suryakumar Yadav (47) and Hardik Pandya (23 off 13) bolstered India's innings, complemented by a late flourish from Patel and Ravindra Jadeja, guiding India to 171/7 in their allotted overs.
Batting first, Sharma set the tone with early boundaries despite Virat Kohli's early dismissal for 9. His aggressive batting, supported by partnerships with Suryakumar, kept India's innings steady despite interruptions due to rain.
Adil Rashid halted a promising partnership by dismissing Sharma for 57, breaking a crucial stand. Pandya's explosive hitting and Jadeja's late contributions ensured India finished strong with 171 runs.
Led by Sharma's captaincy and clinical performances from their spinners, India showcased resilience and determination, marking a triumphant return to the tournament's summit after years of perseverance and strategic brilliance.
Brief scores: India 171/7 (Rohit Sharma 57, Suryakumar Yadav 47; Chris Jordan 3-37) vs England
(With PTI quotes)
