New Delhi: India who won their first and only T20 World Cup title in 2007 have a chance of winning their second if they manage to beat South Africa in the final. But how did they surpass England? The key factors involve:
The Spin Twins: Axar Patel and Kuldeep Yadav
Axar Patel and Kuldeep Yadav ended up being the deciding factor of the match as they spun a web around the England batting lineup in the chase. They conceded 42 runs off their 8 overs and claimed 6 wickets which proved pivotal in India’s victory.
The Hit-Man Rohit Sharma
The captain led from the front and scored a scintillating half-century to propel India to an above-par total which ended up being too much for the English men.
The SKY Factor
The second-ranked batsman in the T20I rankings played a brilliant innings to provide much-needed support to the captain. With his, 47 off 36 India reached a score the bowlers could defend.
The Cameos
Hardik Pandya and Ravindra Jadeja played innings of 23 and 17 respectively with a skyrocketing strike rate which led to be the runs over the par score.
Match Review
The much anticipated India vs England Semi Final ended in India’s favour after several interruptions by England and Rain. After England won the toss and elected to bowl first, Rohit Sharma started his attack on a slow pitch which consumed Virat Kohli and Rishabh Pant soon.
However, Rohit Sharma’s intent was clear, as he had his eyes set on the final against South Africa. He went on to dominate England’s attack with his gun shot-making in the powerplay along with some necessary precautions. Suryakumar Yadav provided support to Rohit with some exquisite shots and held the fort.
Soon after, he was dismissed by Jofra Archer which was followed by the arrival of Hardik Pandya. Hardik played a crucial cameo to help India’s momentum but eventually fell prey to Chris Jordan after two consecutive sixes. Ravindra Jadeja and Axar Patel provided the final touch to the innings, propelling India to 171-7.
In the innings break, Liam Livingstone in the interview said, “We have the firepower to chase this total.” However, as England’s innings started, Arshdeep and Bumrah bowled a couple of tight overs. As soon as Rohit introduced Axar Patel into the attack, he claimed the wicket of England captain Jos Buttler.
Jasprit Bumrah foxed Phil Salt, England’s top batter in recent T20 matches. After this, India spun a web with Axar Patel and Kuldeep Yadav which led India to a dominant win over the current T20 World Cup champions in emphatic fashion.
What does this mean?
Now with South Africa looming in the final, who have never won the T20 World Cup are awaiting India. India will have to play their ‘A’ game to clinch the title after 2007. South Africa will be eager to win an ICC trophy for the first time. It means we are in for an exciting clash between the two powerhouses in the final.