Bethell’s brilliance overshadows Sooryavanshi’s historic debut.

England clinch series lead as India falter in middle overs

England turned the spotlight away from India’s teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, as Jacob Bethell’s commanding unbeaten 76 guided the hosts to a four-wicket win in the second T20I at Old Trafford. The victory not only gave England a 1-0 lead in the five-match series but also handed the reigning champions their third consecutive defeat.

The evening began with history in the making. At just 15, Sooryavanshi became the youngest Indian male cricketer to represent the country, surpassing Sachin Tendulkar’s long-standing record. Opening alongside Abhishek Sharma, the debutant showcased fearless intent, striking two sixes before being stumped for 14 off 10 balls. His brief innings, though short-lived, marked a milestone moment in Indian cricket.

Abhishek Sharma carried the momentum forward with a brisk 43, helping India reach 65 for 2 at the end of the powerplay. Shreyas Iyer and Ishan Kishan then steadied the innings with a 65-run stand, but England’s bowlers tightened the screws in the middle overs. Sam Curran’s clever variations earned him three wickets, while Jofra Archer and Will Jacks chipped in to keep India in check.

Just when India looked set for a modest total, Tilak Varma’s late fireworks changed the equation. His unbeaten 24 off 11 balls, including a flurry of boundaries in the final over, lifted India to 190 for 7, a score that seemed competitive on a tricky surface.

England’s chase, however, was anything but straightforward at the start. Arshdeep Singh struck twice in the opening over, dismissing Phil Salt and Jos Buttler to leave the hosts reeling. Harry Brook responded with a blistering counterattack, smashing 39 off just 16 balls to swing momentum back England’s way.

From there, Bethell took charge. Calm and composed, he stitched together a crucial 67-run partnership with Tom Banton, ensuring England stayed ahead of the required rate. India’s spinners struggled to exert control, with only Axar Patel managing to keep things tight. Bethell’s calculated aggression, five sixes and five fours, sealed the chase with an over to spare.

For India, the defeat highlighted a recurring issue: a slowdown in the middle overs that continues to undermine strong starts. Under new captain Shreyas Iyer, the champions now face mounting pressure after losing all three matches since their T20 World Cup triumph.

The series moves to Nottingham on July 7, where India must regroup quickly if they hope to turn the tide against a confident England side.