by: Atika Mehboob TN Sport Pakistan:
In an outstanding display, Mohammed Shami and Jasprit Bumrah led India to their sixth consecutive win in the World Cup, delivering a crushing 100-run defeat to England in Lucknow. With Rohit Sharma’s impressive 87 setting up India’s score of 229, the Indian bowlers defended the total with incredible precision.
Shami’s initial spell proved lethal for England. He secured 2 wickets for just 4 runs in three overs during the powerplay, while Bumrah snagged 2 for 17 in five overs. The English side was reeling at 40 for 4 after 10 overs in their chase of 230. The duo later took more wickets, ensuring England’s downfall and a victorious 100-run margin for India.
Despite David Willey and Dawid Malan’s initial show of resistance, with Malan smacking a six off Mohammed Siraj, England’s batting fell apart. Bumrah dismissed Malan and, moments later, Joe Root, putting England at a precarious 30 for 2.
Shami’s brilliance continued, particularly against Ben Stokes, who was lured into attacking a ball that ultimately shattered the stumps. And although Jonny Bairstow briefly persisted, Shami ensured his stint was short-lived.
England’s hopes dwindled further with captain Jos Buttler’s meager 10 runs, curtailed by a splendid delivery from Kuldeep Yadav. Shami’s bowling prowess persisted, dismissing Moeen Ali and Adil Rashid in succession, leaving Bumrah to finish the job with a stunning yorker that took out Mark Wood.
Earlier in the match, England appeared in control when they limited India to 35 for 2 in the opening powerplay. Willey, Woakes, and Wood had success against India’s top order, but Rohit Sharma’s resilience, highlighted by his partnership with KL Rahul, brought momentum back to India.
While Rohit’s knock was terminated by a spectacular catch by Liam Livingstone, Suryakumar Yadav then took charge, guiding India past 200. His near half-century was halted by Willey, but his efforts, combined with Bumrah’s 16, helped India reach 229.
Despite India’s total seeming modest, the prowess of Shami and Bumrah in England’s innings made it more than sufficient for an Indian victory.
