England produced a clinical run chase to defeat India by four wickets in the second T20 International at Emirates Old Trafford, taking a 1-0 lead in the five-match series. Chasing 191, the hosts were inspired by an unbeaten 76 from Jacob Bethell, whose late assault on Ravi Bishnoi proved decisive as England crossed the finish line with an over to spare.
India posted 190/7 after solid contributions from Ishan Kishan (49), Abhishek Sharma (43) and Shreyas Iyer (37). Sam Curran starred with the ball for England, claiming 3/33, while Will Jacks kept the Indian batters in check through the middle overs. The visitors added 23 runs from the final seven deliveries to post a competitive total.
The match also marked the international debut of 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, who became the youngest male cricketer to represent India in England. The left-handed opener scored a brisk 14 off 10 balls before being stumped by Will Jacks.
England’s reply got off to a shaky start as they lost an early wicket, but captain Harry Brook changed the momentum with a blistering 39 off just 15 balls. After Brook’s dismissal, Jacob Bethell and Tom Banton added a vital 67-run partnership to keep the chase on course.
With England needing 49 runs from the last four overs, Bethell turned the game on its head by taking apart Ravi Bishnoi in the 17th over. The left-hander smashed three sixes as the over yielded 29 runs, swinging the contest decisively in England’s favour. Bethell remained unbeaten on 76 from 46 deliveries to guide the hosts home, while Jofra Archer struck the winning runs in the 19th over.
Arshdeep Singh was India’s most successful bowler with figures of 3/40, but Bishnoi’s expensive spell at the death allowed England to seize control and complete a memorable chase.
England now hold a 1-0 advantage in the five-match series ahead of the third T20I at Trent Bridge.
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