Brook and Bethel power England to 191, breaking 2012 chase milestone

Manchester, July 5 – In a thrilling second T20I, England overcame India by four wickets after a successful 191‑run chase, setting a new benchmark for the highest target pursued against India.

The English batsmen reached the target in just 19 overs, losing six wickets. This surpassed the 178‑run chase recorded in 2012, making it the biggest successful pursuit in a T20 International against the Indian side.

A disastrous opening spell saw Phil Salt dismissed for a duck by Arshdeep Singh, and Jos Buttler followed suit with a golden‑duck to the same bowler. At 1/2, England appeared vulnerable.

Captain Harry Brook stepped in, scoring 39 runs off a mere 15 balls, punctuated by four fours and three sixes. Partner Jacob Bethel provided stability, remaining unbeaten on 76 from 46 balls, with five fours and five sixes, posting a strike rate of 165.

Their 23‑ball stand added 50 crucial runs for the third wicket. Tom Banton later contributed 39 runs from 32 balls during the final overs, while Will Jones (9), Sam Curran (7) and Jofra Archer (10*) added modest scores.

India’s batting effort was led by Abhishek Sharma (43), Ishan Kishan (49) and captain Shreyas Iyer (37). The side posted 190 runs for seven wickets in 20 overs. Tilak Varma’s rapid 24 off 11 balls and debutant Vaibhav Suryavanshi’s 14 runs complemented the innings.

England’s aggressive chase not only secured a series‑leveling win but also broke a 14‑year‑old record, reinforcing their supremacy at Old Trafford.