ICC World Cup 2019: Jonny Bairstow, England's Bowlers Keep Semifinals Hopes Alive

England defeated India by 31 runs to keep themselves alive for the semifinal berth. The hosts also put paid to India’s unbeaten run in the World Cup. A century from Jonny Bairstow and fifties from Ben Stokes and Jason Roy helped England post 337 runs. However, India could not get going in their batting innings despite Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma getting the runs.

England vs India – India’s Innings:

India could not get off to a good start as they lost the early wicket of KL Rahul. The right-hander got a top edge and Chris Woakes took a good catch. However, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma took their time in the initial phase. The right-hander added a fine partnership of 138 runs to get India back into the contest.

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Virat Kohli scored another fifty but once again failed to convert his start into the substantial score. In fact, this was the first consecutive fifty for Virat Kohli. Kohli played an uppish drive which was taken by James Vince at the point. On the other hand, Rohit Sharma continued his sublime form going as he scored his third World Cup hundred of this edition. However, the right-hander was soon dismissed after completing his personal milestone.

Hardik Pandya showed the fight as he scored 45 runs from 33 balls. However, MS Dhoni and Kedar Jadhav could not find their timing on the day. In fact, there was no INTENT from the right-handers as they both threw the towel.

England vs India – England’s innings:

England got off to a sublime start as their openers added a fine partnership after Eoin Morgan won the toss and decided to bat first. Jason Roy who made a comeback into the playing XI was able to hit the ground running. Roy had the rub of the green on his side when Virat Kohli and MS Dhoni decided not to review when the right-hander had gloved to the wicketkeeper. Roy was on only 19 runs at that moment and he went on to score a fine fifty.

Jason Roy and Jonny Bairstow played some delightful shots as they added 160 runs for the opening partnership. Both the right-handers showed respect to disciplined Indian fast bowling of Mohammed Shami and Jasprit Bumrah. However, they showed no respite to India’s spinners and third seamer, Hardik Pandya.

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Both Roy and Bairstow took Kuldeep Yadav and Yuzvendra Chahal to the cleaners and the Indian spin duo looked toothless. The opening pair was taking the game away from India and the visitors needed something special to get the much-needed breakthrough.

The dismissal was provided courtesy a splendid catch from Ravindra Jadeja – who was fielding in place of KL Rahul. Rahul had an injury scare when he landed awkwardly on his hip while attempting a catch at the boundary ropes.

Jonny Bairstow carried on and scored his maiden World Cup hundred. Ben Stokes added the finishing touches for the hosts as the southpaw scored 54-ball 79.

On the other hand, Mohammed Shami was the pick of Indian bowlers as he scalped a five-wicket haul. Shami bowled with fire and now has 13 wickets in the tournament in the three matches he has played. Furthermore, Jasprit Bumrah was right on the money with his yorkers in the death overs and conceded only 44 runs in his quota of 10 overs.