T20 World Cup: Rohit Sharma, Axar Patel help India crush England, set up final showdown with South Africa

NEW DELHI: India secured a commanding 68-run victory over the reigning champions England in the second semi-final of the T20 World Cup on Thursday, setting up a final clash against South Africa on Saturday.
India, batting first in the rain-affected match at Providence Stadium in Guyana, posted a total of 171 for seven, largely thanks to the contributions of captain Rohit Sharma (57) and Suryakumar Yadav (47) on a challenging surface.
England's chase never gained momentum, as they were bowled out for a mere 103 in the 17th over. The team struggled to recover from a disastrous start, succumbing to the spin prowess of Axar Patel and Kuldeep Yadav, who claimed three wickets each.

After a delayed start due to rain and a damp outfield, England captain Jos Buttler won the toss and opted to field first.

India managed to score 46 runs in the six power-play overs, losing the wickets of Virat Kohli and Rishabh Pant in the process.
Rohit started cautiously but gradually found his rhythm, while Suryakumar showcased his innovative strokeplay, including a scoop shot off Chris Jordan for a six.

Rain interrupted play with India at 65-2 after eight overs.
Following a delay of over an hour, Rohit reached his half-century off 36 balls with a six, which also brought up India's 100 in the 13th over.

Adil Rashid dismissed Rohit, and Jofra Archer denied Suryakumar a fifty, temporarily slowing India's progress.
Despite Jordan's (3-37) efforts to remove Hardik Pandya and Shivam Dube in consecutive deliveries, India managed to post a competitive total.
England's chase began positively, but they soon found themselves in trouble at 49-5 due to a top-order collapse orchestrated by Axar (3-23).

The left-arm spinner removed Buttler (23) with his first delivery and dismissed Jonny Bairstow for a duck in his next over.

Meanwhile, Jasprit Bumrah rattled Phil Salt's leg stump.
Axar returned to have Moeen Ali stumped, and fellow spinner Kuldeep (3-19) further tightened India's grip on the match, exploiting the slow and occasionally low-bouncing pitch.

The left-arm wrist spinner trapped both Sam Curran and Jordan, and clean bowled Harry Brook (25), effectively sealing the game for India.
South Africa had already booked their place in the final, to be held in Bridgetown, Barbados, after a comprehensive victory over Afghanistan on Wednesday.