From Adelaide shame to Guyana fame: How India exacted revenge on England

New Delhi: Indian fans feared the worst when it was confirmed that the Men in Blue would meet England in the T20 World Cup 2024 semi-final. Indians plagued with bitter memories of the humiliation in the 2022 T20 World Cup felt a sense of Deja Vu ahead of the second semi-final in Guyana. The only way to erase those bad memories was to create new ones, filled with happiness, satisfaction and jubilation but fuelled by a feeling of revenge.

Rohit Sharma’s men might have taken the England game the same as any match but, revenge, in all honesty, must be on their minds. The 10-wicket drubbing in Adelaide left deep scars and revenge is the best medicine to heal even the oldest wounds.

India, led by a resurgent Rohit Sharma, showed their intent, or at least tried to show it, right from the word go. In a stop-start game on a difficult Guyana pitch, Rohit (57) and Suryakumar Yadav (47) mixed caution with aggression to stitch a fine partnership of 73 from 50 balls that took India to 171/7, which also had useful contributions from Hardik Pandya and Ravindra Jadeja.

Those, who, after the toss said India would need at least 200 runs to challenge a strong batting order changed their opinion after watching the English batters falling like nine pins.

How did India exact revenge on England?

India outclassed England in all three departments, especially with a ruthless performance with the ball.

Jos Buttler, who annihilated the Indian bowling in Adelaide two years ago, showed signs of repeating the same dose but was dismissed by Axar Patel. Phil Salt tried to break the shackles before but was bowled trying to slog Jasprit Bumrah.

Jonny Bairstow was castled by Axar, who took 3-23 before Rishabh Pant’s presence of mind behind the stumps led to Moeen Ali’s dismissal.

Kuldeep Yadav made an instant impact, trapping Sam Curran in front of the stumps and a few minutes later bowled a dangerous-looking Harry Brook around his legs.

Liam Livingstone was run out after being sent back by Jofra Archer, who was the last wicket to fall, caught plumb in front by Bumrah.

Indian bowlers. like England batters in Adelaide, never let the opposition off the hook. It was poetic justice to England for knocking India out en route to the title triumph.

Perhaps, the stars are aligning for India to end the long ICC trophy jinx. But for that to happen, the Men in Blue must replicate their performance in the final against fellow unbeaten side South Africa.

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