India emerged as the second finalist of the ongoing T20 World Cup after demolishing reigning champions England in the second semi-final in Guyana Thursday [BST].
The 2007 world T20 champions India, in their fifth semi-final appearance in the tournament, dominated the English side to secure a 68-run victory riding on heroics from both the batting and bowling unit.
India have made it to the final of the T20 World Cup for the first time since 2014.
Prior to the T20 boom in India, the Men in Blue won the inaugural T20 World Cup (or the ICC World Twenty20 as it was called then) after resting some of their famed seniors.
For years since, they tried to replicate that glory but missed out in the end, coming closest in 2014 when the team lost to Sri Lanka in the final.
India had advanced to the semi-finals on two more occasions, including in 2016, when they hosted the tournament for the very first time.
Their most recent knockout appearance was a massive 10-wicket defeat at the hands of 2024 semi-final opponents England in the 2022 edition in Australia.
Speaking following the crushing win over England, India skipper Rohit Sharma hoped to put on a good show when they meet South Africa in the grand finale Saturday evening [BST] at Kensington Oval in Barbados.
“Final is a big occasion but being composed helps make good decisions. I thought we were steady and didn't panic. That's been key. We'll try our best, team is in good shape. All I can hope is to put up a good show come the final,” said Rohit, who scored 57 off 39 laced with six boundaries and two over boundaries.
The India innings also involved a 47 off 36 deliveries from Suryakumar Yadav to propel the score to 171 for seven in 20 overs.
On the slow, low and turning pitch at the Providence in Guyana, spin duo Axar Patel and Kuldeep Yadav rattled through the English batting, picked up three wickets apiece and steered India to their third T20 World Cup final.
“Very satisfying to win. Worked very hard as a unit and it was a great effort from all. We adapted really well, conditions were challenging. That's been the success story for us so far. If bowlers and batters adapt, things fall in place. At one stage, 140-150 looked par. But we got runs in the middle, SKY [Suryakumar] and I were going and thought we can get 20-25 more,” said Rohit.
“I wanted to let the batters play on instinct. 175 was a very good score, bowlers were fantastic. Axar, Kuldeep are gun spinners. Tough to play shots against them in these conditions. They were calm under pressure. We had a chat after the first innings, message was to keep stumps in play. That's what they did. (Virat Kohli) We understand his class. Form is never a problem when you've played for 15 years. Probably saving for the final. We've been calm as a team,” added the elegant right-handed batter.
