By Razeen Gutta
After Pakistan defeated New Zealand on Wednesday, England upset subcontinent fans with a thumping 10 wicket win over India on Thursday to book their spot in the ICC T20 Cricket World Cup final in Melbourne.
Half centuries from Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan were enough to see Pakistan through against the odds over New Zealand.
After defeats to India and Zimbabwe in the super 12 round, Pakistan went through courtesy of the Proteas’ poor form; and they certainly made full use of that second chance with a 7 wicket semi-final victory.
Now, it was India’s turn. After being the only side to win four matches in the league stage, only one game separated Rohit Sharma’s side from a final against Pakistan — but England had other plans.
Jos Buttler won the toss and opted to bowl first, with Virat Kohli stepping up again with a 50 whole Hardik Pandya accelerated with 63 off 33 at the death to get India to 168/6 in their 20 overs.
The total looked a par one and both sides would have backed themselves in the second innings; but what Adelaide witnessed would not have been imagined even in the wildest dreams of the most fervent of England fans.
Butler and Alex Hales destroyed the Indian attack from the onset, with the required run rate dropping by the ball.
Both openers crossed 80 at strike rates over 160 to take England home inside just 16 overs. Their 170 run partnership was the highest in T20 World Cup history; and we are sure to be in for a treat when the explosive openers of both England and Pakistan take centre stage at the MCG on Sunday.
Image source: @EnglandCricket
