In the semi-final 2 showdown of the T20 World Cup 2024 between India and England at the Providence Stadium in Guyana, Indian wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant‘s intelligent reflexes behind the stumps proved to be the game-changer. His swift stumping of Moeen Ali off Axar Patel‘s bowling dealt a significant blow to England’s chase, emerging as one of the crucial reason behind India’s dominant victory.
India posts a strong target
England won the toss and chose to field, putting India in to bat. Rising to the challenge, India posted a formidable total of 171/7 in their allotted 20 overs. Skipper Rohit Sharma led the charge with a brisk 57, while Suryakumar Yadav added a crucial 47. Despite some early setbacks, the Indian batter ensured a competitive score for their bowlers to defend.
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England’s chase and Rishabh Pant’s key stumping
As England started their chase, Indian bowlers, especially Axar, kept up relentless pressure. Axar had already taken the important wickets of captain Jos Buttler and Jonny Bairstow when Moeen came to the crease, looking to stabilize the innings.
The pivotal moment came in the 8th over of the England’s chase. Axar delivered a ball that clipped Moeen’s thigh pad, tricking him into thinking it had traveled further. As Moeen lost his balance and stepped out of his crease, Pant seized the moment. With lightning-quick reflexes, Pant collected the ball and dislodged the bails in an instant. Moeen, realizing his mistake too late, tried to get back but Pant’s swift action had already sent him back to the pavilion for 8 off 10 balls.
Here’s the video:
The path to the T20 World Cup 2024 final
After Moeen’s dismissal, Harry Brook and Liam Livingstone attempted to stabilize England’s innings. However, the Indian bowlers continued their dominance, ultimately bowling England out for just 103 runs. This comprehensive performance secured India’s place in the final of the 2024 edition.
India will now face South Africa, who are making their first appearance in a T20 World Cup final, at the Kensington Oval in Barbados on June 29. South Africa qualified for the final after a commanding nine-wicket victory over Afghanistan at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Tarouba. The Proteas have been unbeaten in their eight matches, consistently performing under pressure. Similarly Men in Blue have remained undefeated so far and will look to maintain that record in the summit clash.
