England Outclass India By Four Wickets As Bethell And Brook Shine In Manchester T20I

England recovered from a dramatic start to chase down 191 with six deliveries remaining and beat India by four wickets in the second T20I at Manchester.

Jacob Bethell anchored the innings with an unbeaten 76, while captain Harry Brook’s explosive cameo shifted the momentum in England’s favour and handed the hosts a 1-0 advantage in the five-match contest.

India enjoyed the perfect beginning after Arshdeep Singh removed Phil Salt and Jos Buttler in the opening over, leaving England struggling at 2/2.

Brook immediately changed the course of the chase by launching a fierce assault, hammering 39 from only 15 balls, including a 27-run over against Arshdeep.

Axar Patel halted Brook’s charge after a successful review and also became the latest Indian bowler to complete 100 wickets in T20 cricket. Together with Varun Chakaravarthy, he slowed England’s scoring and briefly swung the match back in India’s favour.

Bethell paced the innings superbly and shared a valuable stand with Tom Banton, who contributed 39.

Although India removed both Banton and Will Jacks to leave England needing 49 from the final five overs, the hosts remained composed.

The turning point arrived in Ravi Bishnoi’s expensive 17th over, which yielded 29 runs after two no-balls gifted England extra opportunities.

Bethell took full advantage, striking three sixes and a four before steering England comfortably over the finish line.

Earlier, India recovered well to finish on 190/7 after an aggressive start.

Young debutant Vaibhav Sooryavanshi impressed with two sixes during his brief innings of 14, while Abhishek Sharma scored a fluent 43.

Ishan Kishan added 49, and Shreyas Iyer chipped in with 37 before Tilak Varma’s unbeaten 24 from just 11 deliveries lifted India to a competitive total.

Match Summary

Sam Curran led England’s bowling attack with figures of 3/33, and the home side’s batting eventually proved too strong as Bethell’s composed innings completed an outstanding chase and gave England the early edge in the series.

Also Read: India Seek First Win As England Eye Series Lead In Rain-Interrupted T20I Contest