Lucknow: In a riveting encounter at the Ekana Stadium in Lucknow, India emerged victorious against England by a 100-run margin in the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup.
The stage was set for an intense battle as India took on England in a crucial match of the World Cup. The match began with England winning the toss and choosing to field. India faced some early setbacks, losing key wickets in the opening overs. However, Captain Rohit Sharma played a crucial role in stabilising the Indian innings, contributing a gritty 87 runs.
Despite a slow start, India managed to post a competitive score of 229 runs for the loss of nine wickets in their allotted 50 overs. England’s David Willey was the standout bowler for the opposition, claiming three wickets in his spell.
In response, England had the challenging task of chasing down a target of 230 runs. However, India’s bowlers, led by the impressive Mohammad Shami, turned the game in their favour. Shami produced a remarkable performance, capturing four crucial wickets while conceding just 22 runs in his 7-over spell. His new-ball partner, Jasprit Bumrah, was equally effective, taking three wickets for 32 runs in 6.5 overs.
Shami and Bumrah’s lethal bowling partnership dismantled England’s top order, leaving them reeling at 39/4 in 9.1 overs. Kuldeep Yadav added to England’s woes with his exceptional leg-spin, delivering a memorable delivery that shattered Jos Buttler’s stumps.
Ravindra Jadeja’s left-arm finger spin also played a part in restricting England’s run-scoring opportunities, as he conceded only 16 runs in his 7-over spell, taking a wicket along the way.
During India’s innings, Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul had formed a crucial partnership, steering the team to 91 runs before Rahul’s dismissal by David Willey. After Rahul’s departure, Rohit continued to anchor the innings, though at a slower pace.
Suryakumar Yadav injected energy into India’s innings, but his dismissal for 49 brought an end to his promising innings. India’s lower-order batsmen, Jasprit Bumrah and Kuldeep Yadav, contributed valuable runs, ensuring that India didn’t get bowled out.
In the end, India managed to reach a total of 229/9 in their 50 overs. England’s bowlers, especially David Willey (3/45) and Chris Woakes (2/33), played a significant role in restricting India’s scoring.
Chasing the modest target of 230, England started strongly, accumulating 30 runs off the first 27 balls. However, India’s bowlers quickly turned the tide. Shami proved to be a nightmare for Ben Stokes, dismissing him for a duck, while Johnny Bairstow fell to Shami’s next delivery.
With England reduced to 39/4, their hopes of victory dwindled rapidly. Kuldeep Yadav’s exceptional delivery removed Jos Buttler and the English middle order crumbled under the relentless pressure from the Indian bowlers. Barring Mohammad Siraj, all of India’s bowlers played their part effectively in defending their total of 229.
Ultimately, England was bowled out for a mere 129 runs in 34.5 overs, handing India a convincing 100-run victory. With this win, India moved closer to securing a spot in the ICC Men’s World Cup semifinals, making it a memorable day for Indian cricket fans.