England has failed to defend its T20 World Cup crown, with India cruising to a dominant 68-run victory over the reigning champions in a rain-affected semi-final at Guyana National Stadium on Friday morning AEST.
Chasing a 172-run target for victory, England was rolled for 103 in just 16.4 overs as India’s tweakers spun a web around the fragile middle order.
Axar Patel (3-23), who was later named player of the match, and Kuldeep Yadav (3-19) were at the peak of their powers on the dry deck in Providence, with the departure of England captain Jos Buttler during the Powerplay sparking a frantic collapse of 5-23.
Harry Brook top-scored with 25 before Jofra Archer provided some late resistance with an entertaining 21 that featured two sixes.
“It’s very satisfying to win this game,” Indian captain Rohit Sharma said during the post-match presentation.
“To win like that was a great effort from everybody.
“I thought we adapted to the conditions. They were really challenging. If we play according to the conditions, things fall into place.
“All I can hope is to put in another good show come the final.”
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Earlier, Sharma clobbered a rapid half-century to steer his side towards 7-171 after England won the toss and chose to bowl first.
The powerful right-hander (57 from 39 balls) combined with Suryakumar Yadav (47 from 36 balls) for a 73-run partnership for the third wicket, with England seamer Chris Jordan claiming 3-37.
Meanwhile, Indian superstar Virat Kohli once again struggled with the bat, bowled by England quick Reece Topley in the third over for 9.
“Virat is a quality player, any player can through that,” Sharma continued.
“We understand his class. When you have played for 15 years, form is never a problem.
“He’s probably saving it for the final.”
Speaking in the post-match presentation, Buttler confessed he should not have ignored off-spinner Moeen Ali, who did not bowl during India’s innings.
“India certainly outplayed us, we let them get 25 runs too many,” Buttler said.
“They really deserved their win.
“In hindsight, probably should’ve bowled Moeen in our innings with the way spin was playing.”
The defeat wraps up an underwhelming campaign for England in the Caribbean, losing three of its four matches against Test-playing nations, and marks the end of the nation’s brief era of white-ball dominance.
The undefeated Indians, having qualified for its first Men’s T20 World Cup final in ten years, will face South Africa in Sunday morning’s final at Bridgetown’s Kensington Oval.
