As India defeated England to advance to their second consecutive T20 World Cup final in Mumbai on Thursday, captain Suryakumar Yadav acknowledged that his heart rate increased to “160-175” during the frantic final moments of the semifinal.
In a high-scoring semifinal at the Wankhede Stadium, defending champions India overcame England by 7 runs.
“It’s an unbelievable feeling. Obviously, playing in India, leading such a wonderful side, and with the World Cup happening here, going to Ahmedabad to play that final. I think it’s a special feeling for all the boys. “Was very nervous, heart rate would’ve been 160-175,” PTI quoted Suryakumar as saying during the post-match presentation.
Opener Samson hit 7 sixes and 8 fours enroute to a 42-ball 89, as India scored a formidable 253, after being sent in to bat. Hardik Pandya (27), Tilak Varma (21), Shivam Dube (43), and Ishan Kishan (39) all contributed with brisk knocks.
“I think he (Samson) knew what he wanted to do as soon as he went in to bat. Even when a wicket fell, he knew the wicket was good, so he kept pressing the pedal. The way he batted was exactly what the team required. It was due after all the hard work he’s been putting in over the last year. It was a special knock today. But was 253 enough? I told Harry (Brook) how much more do we need to score against them. They were always in the chase, but the way the bowlers pulled the game away was unbelievable,” he said.
Jacob Bethell’s incredible 105 off 48 balls was in vain as England achieved 246/7 in 20 overs while chasing the enormous score. Bumrah (1/33) emerged as the most efficient bowler, bowling masterfully in the last moments. Pandya (2/38) claimed two wickets.
“We all know what Bumrah is capable of and what he’s done for India over the years. He did the same thing again today, raised his hand and showed character to pull the game away from them. It was a special bowling performance. The way Bumrah, Arshdeep and other guys pulled it back was unbelievable. We need to give credit to T Dilip, our fielding coach. Boys are responding well. Guys have been going the extra yard, that’s showing up,” Suryakumar said.
The final match between India and New Zealand is scheduled for Sunday.
“There will definitely be pressure and nerves, especially playing in India and going for the title. But the boys and the whole support staff are excited as well,” the India skipper said.
England captain Harry Brook acknowledged that his team made a mistake in execution even though they had anticipated the ball spinning a little during the first innings.
“We thought there might’ve been hold, spin in the first innings, slid onto the bat nicely and India batted well. I’ll hold my hands up and admit I made a big mistake dropping Samson,” he said.
“We weren’t good enough in the field. We mis-executed, and can’t afford to do that against India.”
Bethell’s hundred was praised by Brook.
“Bethell was absolutely unbelievable, he’ll earn some serious money. To see him taking it from ball one, showed the world what he can do. We had a good tournament, we should be extremely proud of how we played. We stuck to it the whole game, unfortunately we were on the wrong side,” he added.
