England beat India by four wickets in thrilling 2nd T20I as Bethell steals the show

 


At Old Trafford, Manchester, England produced a superb chase to defeat India by four wickets in the second T20 International, reaching 191/6 in 19 overs after India had posted 190/7. The victory gave England a 1-0 lead in the five-match series after the opening game was washed out. 


India's innings began brightly with Abhishek Sharma attacking from the outset. The spotlight, however, was firmly on 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, who became the youngest player to represent India in men's international cricket. The teenager showed no signs of nerves, smashing two towering sixes during an entertaining 14 off 10 balls before being stumped off Will Jacks. Abhishek continued his aggressive approach with 43 off 24 balls, while Ishan Kishan anchored the innings with a well-crafted 49 off 40 deliveries. Captain Shreyas Iyer added a fluent 37 from 22 balls, and Tilak Varma provided the late fireworks with an unbeaten 24 off just 11 balls, helping India finish on a competitive 190/7. 


England's reply suffered the worst possible start when Arshdeep Singh struck twice in the opening over, dismissing both Phil Salt and Jos Buttler for ducks. With England reeling, Harry Brook counter-attacked spectacularly, hammering 39 off only 15 balls to revive the chase before Jacob Bethell took control. Calm under pressure, Bethell built the innings brilliantly before unleashing a devastating assault in the closing overs. A decisive 17th over, which yielded 29 runs including two free-hit sixes after no-balls, completely shifted the momentum in England's favour. Bethell remained unbeaten on a magnificent 76 from 46 balls, striking five fours and five sixes, guiding England home with an over to spare. 


For India, Arshdeep Singh finished with 3 wickets, while Axar Patel bowled economically. However, the bowlers could not contain Bethell during the death overs as England completed a memorable chase. 


Best performers

England

Jacob Bethell: 76* (46), 5 fours, 5 sixes – Player of the Match.

Harry Brook: 39 (15), provided the momentum after the early collapse.

Sam Curran: 3/33 in 4 overs, crucial breakthroughs during India's innings.

India

Ishan Kishan: 49 (40).

Abhishek Sharma: 43 (24).

Shreyas Iyer: 37 (22).

Tilak Varma: 24* (11).

Arshdeep Singh: 3 wickets, including two in the opening over.

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi: 14 (10) on debut, becoming India's youngest-ever men's international cricketer. 


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