Mohammed Shami’s brilliant performance tore through England’s batting lineup, leading India to a resounding victory in Lucknow and keeping their undefeated World Cup streak intact. England’s campaign continued to falter as they struggled to chase a modest target of 230.
Shami was the star of the show, picking up 2 wickets for just 4 runs in his three-over spell during the first powerplay. Jasprit Bumrah provided excellent support, grabbing 2 wickets for 17 runs from his five overs. England found themselves in deep trouble at 40 for 4 after 10 overs, and their hopes of securing only their second win in the tournament quickly faded. Shami and Bumrah continued to wreak havoc, and with none of England’s batsmen able to surpass Liam Livingstone’s 27, India cruised to a comfortable 100-run victory with 15.1 overs to spare.
Although David Willey removed Virat Kohli for a duck, it was a rare moment of success for England in a tournament where they had struggled to make an impact. Dawid Malan’s brief resistance was cut short by Bumrah, who had him caught behind after just a couple of balls. Bumrah continued to pile on the pressure by dismissing Joe Root, leaving England at 30 for 2 after five overs.
Shami and Bumrah continued to dominate during the latter part of the first powerplay, with Shami taking another wicket and Bumrah claiming two more in quick succession. England desperately needed a strong performance from their captain, Jos Buttler, who had struggled to score runs in the tournament. However, Kuldeep Yadav delivered a delivery that spun viciously and sent Buttler back to the pavilion with just 10 runs to his name.
Shami returned for a second spell and swiftly removed Moeen Ali and Adil Rashid. Bumrah then sealed the deal with a superb yorker that shattered Mark Wood’s stumps. With that, India completed an impressive victory.
India had batted first and faced a challenging pitch. England initially restricted them to 35 for 2 in the opening powerplay. However, Rohit Sharma’s outstanding innings of 87, played under difficult batting conditions, led India’s charge.
Willey began well, with a maiden in the first over, but Rohit unleashed two sixes in the second over to put England’s bowlers on the back foot. Woakes, making a comeback after being dropped in the previous game, struck by dismissing Shubman Gill. Kohli’s mistimed shot was comfortably caught by Stokes, leaving India at 27 for 2.
Woakes struck again by taking Shreyas Iyer’s wicket, and England thought they had Rohit as well, but a review saved him. Rohit reached his fifty and played some remarkable shots, but eventually fell to Willey’s delivery.
Suryakumar Yadav took charge to propel India past 200, scoring 48 runs and hitting a sublime six off Wood. Despite a late flourish by Bumrah, India fell slightly short of their target.
In the end, thanks to Shami and Bumrah’s outstanding performance, India’s total was more than enough to secure a comprehensive win over England.