England’s defence of the T20 World Cup is over after they slumped to a 68-run thrashing by a superb India in the semi-final in Guyana.
Set 172 on a difficult pitch to make Saturday’s final, England’s batters folded and were dismissed for 103 in 16.4 overs.
Captain Jos Buttler gave them a solid start with 23 but his wicket was the first of four for 20 runs.
Phil Salt fell for five, Jonny Bairstow a three-ball duck and Moeen Ali eight from 10 balls.
When the superb Kuldeep Yadav, who took 3-19, bowled Harry Brook for 25 England were 68-6 and the game done, although there was still time for two dismal run-outs.
Buttler’s side were also guilty of allowing India to get to a score above par, although that was largely down to the excellence of Rohit Sharma and Suryakumar Yadav.
They overcame a slow surface that also kept low in a fine partnership of 73 from 50 balls that took India to 171-7 – Rohit hitting 57 and Suryakumar 47.
India, who have not won a World Cup for 13 years, will play first-time finalists South Africa – a meeting of the tournament’s two unbeaten sides.
England will fly home on Friday and are next in action in a three-match Test series against West Indies, starting on 10 July.
Source Agencies
