India made a dream start in the second semi-final against England in Mumbai, leaving the opposition in deep trouble inside the powerplay. Chasing a daunting target of 254, England were reduced to 38/2 in just 4.2 overs, with the big wicket of captain Harry Brook proving to be a massive turning point.
The breakthrough came courtesy of India’s pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah, who once again delivered on the big stage. Mixing his pace cleverly, Bumrah rolled his fingers across the seam and bowled a deceptive slower delivery that completely outfoxed Brook. Attempting to force the pace, the England skipper backed away and went through the shot too early. The mistimed stroke ballooned towards backward point, hanging in the air longer than expected.
What followed was pure brilliance from Axar Patel.
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Just amazing from Axar Patel. Running back catches are never easy. pic.twitter.com/mrW7Soo6lX
— Fahad K🇺🇸 (@AllAboutFKK) March 5, 2026
Stationed inside the circle, Axar tracked the swirling ball calmly before sprinting back. For a moment, it appeared as if the catch might spill out of his grasp, but the left-arm all-rounder kept his eyes firmly on the ball and dived forward at the last second to complete a sensational grab. The Mumbai crowd erupted as Axar stayed on the ground briefly, soaking in the moment, before being mobbed by jubilant teammates.
Harry Brook departed for 7 off 6 balls, managing just one boundary. For England, losing their captain so early in a mammoth chase was a serious setback.
At that stage, England needed 216 runs from 94 balls, with the required run rate climbing to nearly 14 runs per over. The pressure was firmly on the batting side, and India’s bowlers sensed an opportunity to tighten the screws further.
Bumrah’s disciplined start, coupled with sharp fielding, highlighted India’s intensity in the knockout clash. In high-pressure matches, such moments often define outcomes—and Axar Patel’s athletic brilliance combined with Bumrah’s tactical mastery gave India early control of this high-stakes semi-final.
With the target towering and wickets falling, England now face an uphill battle to stay alive in the contest.
