T20 World Cup 2024: Rohit Sharma and Spinners lead India to a dominant victory over England, securing a final clash with South Africa.

Despite incessant rain and a tricky pitch, India had all the answers. Rohit Sharma's team marched into the final of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup with a commanding 68-run victory over England in their semi-final on Thursday, June 27, 2024.

Leading the charge was their inspirational skipper Rohit Sharma, who laid the foundation with an aggressive 57 off 39 balls. He was well-supported by Suryakumar Yadav (47 off 36), helping India post 171 for seven after being asked to bat first in the rain-affected match.

In response, England were bowled out for 103 in 16.4 overs, setting up a title clash between India and first-time finalists South Africa in Barbados on Saturday. This marks India's third appearance in the final of the tournament. England crumbled under India's might in the semi-final on Thursday. Rohit Sharma and Suryakumar Yadav excelled with the bat, before the spinners dismantled England's chase.

Rohit (57 from 39 balls, 6 fours, 2 sixes) and Suryakumar (47 from 36 balls, 4 fours, 2 sixes) performed brilliantly on a challenging pitch, pushing India to 171 for seven. This was above a par score, as the sticky Guyana National Stadium surface tested batters with low bounce.

It required tremendous skill and patience for Rohit and Suryakumar to perform. Their crucial 73-run third-wicket partnership stabilised India. Despite tough conditions, they maintained an attacking approach. Suryakumar started with a clean straight hit and later executed his trademark paddle scoop, sending Chris Jordan into the deep fine-leg stands.

Rohit adapted well to the pace, staying low and hitting late. He neutralised the threat of leg-spinner Adil Rashid, who was introduced in the seventh over. Rohit greeted Rashid with a reverse sweep, followed by a conventional sweep, unsettling the spinner.

India was in control, but rain caused another delay. With 250 minutes available to extend playing hours, no reduction in overs was needed.

Rohit and Suryakumar resumed their innings with intensity. Left-arm seamer Curran conceded 19 runs in the 13th over, with Suryakumar and Rohit hitting boundaries. Rashid eventually dismissed Rohit with a googly, and Jofra Archer removed Suryakumar with a slower ball, leaving India at 124 for four. Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, and Axar Patel added crucial runs to keep the scoreboard ticking.

England's chase faltered early, losing three wickets in the PowerPlay. Axar Patel dismissed the dangerous Jos Buttler, Jasprit Bumrah's slower ball deceived Phil Salt, and Axar struck again, bowling Jonny Bairstow with a straight delivery.

India continued their dominance, removing Moeen Ali and Curran cheaply. At 49 for five, England's hopes were dashed.

The end came swiftly, and India moved within one game of lifting the World Cup trophy.