Jacob Bethell's explosive 76 from 46 balls, highlighted by 29 runs in a single over off Ravi Bishnoi, led England to a four-wicket victory over India in the second T20 international at Old Trafford, Manchester. Chasing 191, England reached 191-6 with an over to spare, leveling the series after India's 190-7.
Historic debut for Sooryavanshi
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi made his much-anticipated debut for India, becoming the youngest men's international at 15 years and 99 days, and the second-youngest across all formats among full member nations. However, his innings lasted only 10 balls, scoring 14 before being stumped by Jos Buttler off Will Jacks. Despite two sixes, including a remarkable shot off Jofra Archer, his impact was limited.
Bethell's match-turning over
England's chase stumbled early, with openers Phil Salt and Buttler dismissed by Arshdeep Singh in the first over. Harry Brook's blistering 39 off 15 balls, including 27 off one Arshdeep over, kept England in the game. But it was Bethell's assault on Bishnoi's 17th over that decided the match. Bethell hit two sixes off free hits following no-balls, accumulating 29 runs in the over to swing the game decisively in England's favor.
India's innings and England's fightback
India posted 190-7, powered by Abhishek Sharma and Ishan Kishan, who took them to 130 after 13 overs. Sam Curran's economical spell of 2-10 in two overs slowed the scoring, though a dropped catch by Archer off Tilak Varma proved costly as Tilak scored 24 off 11 balls, including two sixes off Archer in the final over.
Key quotes and statistics
According to match reports, Bethell's innings was a testament to his composure under pressure. "It was a special knock, especially after the early wickets," said Bethell. The win was England's first in the series, after India won the rain-affected first T20. Arshdeep Singh finished with 2-33, while Bishnoi conceded 51 runs in his four overs.
