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T20 World Cup, Guyana
India 171-7 (20 overs): Rohit 57 (39), Suryakumar 47 (36); Jordan 3-37
England 103 (16.4 overs): Brook 25 (19); Kuldeep 3-19, Axar 3-23
India won by 68 runs
England's defence of the T20 World Cup is over after they slumped to a 68-run thrashing by a superb India in the semi-final in Guyana.
Set 172 on a difficult pitch to make Saturday's final, England's batters folded and were dismissed for 103 in 16.4 overs.
Captain Jos Buttler gave them a solid start with 23 but his wicket was the first of four for 20 runs.
Phil Salt fell for five, Jonny Bairstow a three-ball duck and Moeen Ali eight from 10 balls.
When the superb Kuldeep Yadav, who took 3-19, bowled Harry Brook for 25 England were 68-6 and the game done, although there was still time for two dismal run-outs.
Buttler's side were also guilty of allowing India to get to a score above par, although that was largely down to the excellence of Rohit Sharma and Suryakumar Yadav.
They overcame a slow surface that also kept low in a fine partnership of 73 from 50 balls that took India to 171-7 - Rohit hitting 57 and Suryakumar 47.
India, who have not won a World Cup for 13 years, will play first-time finalists South Africa - a meeting of the tournament's two unbeaten sides.
England will fly home on Friday and are next in action in a three-match Test series against West Indies, starting on 10 July.
England’s defence of the title they won in Melbourne in 2022 began with a struggle, kicked into life in the middle, but ends with a miserable defeat.
They were outclassed by India, who adapted to the tough conditions better – managing their batting innings perfectly and then being utterly ruthless with the ball.
Much of the talk beforehand was about how India would have progressed if no result was possible, with no reserve day in place.
The match was delayed by 75 minutes because of rain and interrupted again during India’s innings by another shower but, on this basis, the only thing unfair would have been Rohit's side failing to win given the gulf between the two teams.
Before the tournament a run to the semi-finals would probably have been seen as a decent effort by England.
This result, and the fact they have only won one match against the major sides en route, means the futures of Buttler and coach Matthew Mott will be brought back into focus following the feeble defence of the 50-over World Cup last year.
They are not due to lead England again until September, when T20 and one-day international series against Australia begin.
More to follow
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