In a thrilling low-scoring contest at the Ekana Stadium in Lucknow, India showcased resilience and character, defeating defending champions England by 100 runs and continuing their unbeaten streak at the 2023 World Cup.
Led by captain Rohit Sharma’s outstanding knock of 87, India managed to post a seemingly a low total of 229-9 on a challenging pitch.
India found themselves in early trouble at 40-3 in the 12th over, but Rohit Sharma, along with KL Rahul (39), orchestrated a crucial 91-run partnership that steadied the ship.
Suryakumar Yadav’s brisk 49 and valuable contributions from the tailenders propelled India past the 225-mark, setting a target of 230 for England.
England’s batting lineup faltered spectacularly as they were reduced to 52-5 inside 16 overs. Mohammed Shami was the architect of England’s downfall, claiming a remarkable 4-22. Liam Livingstone’s 27 was the highest score in England’s dismal innings.
Reflecting on the victory, Rohit Sharma praised his team’s character, stating, “This was a game where we showed a lot of character. All the experienced players stood up at the right time and won us the game.”
England, who had won just one of their previous five group matches, faced an uphill battle from the beginning. Opting to field first after winning the toss, England’s David Willey (3-45) struck early, dismissing Virat Kohli for a nine-ball duck. Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul’s partnership provided India with stability, but Willey’s crucial wickets created moments of tension.
Jasprit Bumrah (3-32) and Mohammed Shami’s exceptional bowling further dented England’s chase. Bumrah’s successive dismissals of Dawid Malan and Joe Root in the fifth over left England reeling, and Shami’s precision dismantled the middle order.
England captain Jos Buttler expressed his disappointment, saying, “At the halfway stage chasing 230, we fancied ourselves. But it’s the same old story.”
With this victory, India continued their dominant run in the tournament, while England’s hopes of reaching the semi-finals now hang by a thread.
