Jacob Bethell's blistering 62 off just 27 deliveries propelled England to a commanding seven-wicket victory over India in the second T20I, leveling the five-match series at 1-1. The match, played at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on Saturday, saw England chase down India's total of 165/6 with 19 balls to spare.
Bethell's Explosive Knock
The 22-year-old left-hander smashed five sixes and four fours in his whirlwind innings, dominating the Indian bowling attack. Bethell's knock was the cornerstone of England's chase, as they reached 166/3 in 16.5 overs. He was ably supported by captain Jos Buttler, who contributed a steady 42 off 31 balls.
According to match reports, Bethell's innings was the fastest fifty by an England batter against India in T20Is, reaching the milestone in just 22 balls. His aggressive approach put India on the back foot early in the chase, with the required rate never exceeding a run a ball after the powerplay.
India's Innings
Earlier, India posted 165/6 after being put into bat. Suryakumar Yadav top-scored with 48 off 36 balls, while Rishabh Pant added a quickfire 32 off 22. However, India's innings lacked momentum, with wickets falling at regular intervals. England's bowlers, led by Adil Rashid's economical 2/21 in four overs, kept the scoring in check.
India captain Rohit Sharma acknowledged that the total was below par on a good batting surface. "We were probably 15-20 runs short. The pitch was good for batting, but we lost too many wickets in the middle overs," he said in the post-match presentation.
England's Chase
England's reply began strongly, with openers Phil Salt (19) and Buttler adding 41 runs in the powerplay. After Salt's dismissal, Bethell took center stage, punishing any loose deliveries. His partnership of 72 runs with Buttler for the second wicket effectively sealed the match. Bethell brought up his fifty with a six over deep mid-wicket off Axar Patel, drawing roars from the English contingent in the crowd.
India's bowlers struggled to contain Bethell, with Arshdeep Singh being the most expensive, conceding 42 runs in his four overs. Only leg-spinner Ravi Bishnoi, with figures of 1/29, managed to keep the scoring rate in check.
Series Leveled
The win was crucial for England, who had lost the first T20I by 10 wickets. "We knew we had to bounce back strongly. The boys showed great character, and Jacob's innings was special," said Buttler after the match. The series now moves to Rajkot for the third T20I on July 8.
India will look to regain the lead, while England aims to build on this momentum. The match also highlighted the depth in England's batting lineup, with Bethell's performance earning him the Player of the Match award.
