The T20 World Cup semi-final between the Indian National Cricket Team and the England Cricket Team at the Wankhede Stadium on Thursday witnessed massive online viewership with 56.3 million fans watching the match live on JioHotstar.
Digital viewership surged as England began their chase after India posted an impressive total in the semi-final encounter.
India post 253/7 after an explosive batting display
India produced a commanding batting performance to set England a massive target of 254 runs. Wicketkeeper-batsman Sanju Samson led the charge with 89 off 42 balls, anchoring India’s innings with an aggressive stroke play.
He was well supported by Shivam Dube who smashed 43 off 25 balls and Ishan Kishan who contributed a quick fire 39 off just 18 deliveries to keep the scoreboard moving.
India finished their innings at 253/7 in 20 overs, securing a strong position in the knockout competition.
England Win the Toss, Choose To Bowl
England captain Harry Brook won the toss and elected to bowl first at the Wankhede. Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav later said his team would have preferred to bat anyway, noting that the pitch looked favorable for batting.
The match marks the third consecutive ICC Men’s T20 World Cup semi-final between the two sides, adding intensity to the clash.
Highlights from the Indian innings
India got off to a flying start with early boundaries as Samson attacked England’s leading paceman Jofra Archer. The Men in Blue reached 50 runs in just 4.3 overs and finished the powerplay strong at 67/1.
Samson continued his aggressive approach and brought up his half-century in just 26 balls as India crossed 100 runs in 8.3 overs.
Kishan’s quick cameo provided further impetus before he was dismissed after scoring 39. Later in the innings, Dube launched a counter-attack, including two sixes off leg-spinner Adil Rashid.
Samson eventually departed for 89 after being dismissed by all-rounder Will Jacks. India captain Suryakumar Yadav briefly added quick runs before being stumped.
In the final overs, Hardik Pandya hit crucial boundaries and sixes to take India past the 250-run mark, though he ran out of innings in the final moments.
The winner against New Zealand in the final
The winner of the semi-final will face the New Zealand national cricket team in the final of the tournament at the Narendra Modi Stadium.
With a massive target on the board and millions of fans watching online, the contest promises to be a thrilling finish as England attempt to chase down one of the highest totals in a T20 World Cup knockout match.
