England clinched a thrilling four-wicket victory over India in the second T20I at Old Trafford, chasing down a challenging target of 191 with an over to spare. After the opening match of the five-game series was washed out by rain, the hosts made the most of their opportunity to take a 1-0 lead. Jacob Bethell starred with a magnificent 76 off 46 balls and was deservedly named Player of the Match for guiding England through a tense chase.
India post competitive 190 despite regular wickets
After winning the toss, India opted to bat first and put together a competitive total of 190/7 in their 20 overs. The innings got off to a brisk start, with Abhishek Sharma taking the attack to the England bowlers. The left-hander smashed 43 off just 24 deliveries, striking eight boundaries and a six, while Vaibhav Suryavanshi added an entertaining 14 off 10 balls with two towering sixes before departing early.
Ishan Kishan anchored the innings beautifully with a composed 49 off 40 balls, ensuring India maintained momentum through the middle overs. Captain Shreyas Iyer provided valuable support with a fluent 37 off 22 deliveries, mixing elegant strokeplay with timely aggression. Tilak Varma then injected late fireworks by hammering 24 off only 11 balls, including two sixes, while Harshit Rana chipped in with a six in his unbeaten six-run cameo to help India finish strongly.
England’s bowlers found it difficult to contain India’s batting for most of the innings, although Sam Curran produced an impressive spell to keep the visitors in check. The left-arm all-rounder picked up three wickets while conceding just 33 runs from his four overs. Will Jacks and Liam Dawson chipped in with one wicket each, while Jofra Archer claimed a wicket despite conceding 40 runs.
Jacob Bethell and Harry Brook rescue England after early collapse
England’s chase could hardly have begun in worse fashion. Arshdeep Singh removed both Phil Salt and Jos Buttler for ducks, leaving the hosts reeling at 0/2 inside the opening over. India sensed an opportunity to seize control, but Harry Brook immediately shifted the momentum with a breathtaking counterattack.
Brook blasted 39 off just 15 deliveries, hammering four boundaries and three sixes to put England back on course before his dismissal. His aggressive approach laid the perfect platform for Bethell, who produced one of his finest T20 innings. The left-hander paced his knock brilliantly, combining calculated aggression with maturity as he struck 76 off 46 balls, including five fours and five sixes.
Tom Banton complemented Bethell superbly with a composed 39 off 32 deliveries, adding a crucial partnership that took the game away from India. Even after Bethell departed, England required a calm finish, and contributions from Will Jacks, Sam Curran and Jofra Archer ensured the hosts crossed the finish line at 191/6 in just 19 overs.
Arshdeep was India’s standout bowler with figures of 3/40, removing three key batters, while Axar Patel, Harshit and Varun Chakaravarthy claimed one wicket apiece. However, Ravi Bishnoi endured a difficult outing, conceding 60 runs in his four overs as England’s batters capitalised on every scoring opportunity.
With the opening T20I ending in a no result because of rain, England now hold a 1-0 lead in the five-match series. The hosts will head into the third T20I full of confidence after chasing down a challenging target under pressure, while India will look to bounce back and level the series. The third T20I will be played at Trent Bridge on Tuesday, July 7.
Also WATCH: Virat Kohli reflects on his message exchange with Novak Djokovic during his Wimbledon appearance
Here’s how fans reacted:
Jacob Bethell is a top quality player. He gave us near heart attack in the semi final of the World Cup.
Today he kept waiting for one big over in the run chase. Once he got it was all over.
India should have got more than 200 specially the kind of start they got.
— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) July 4, 2026
🌟 JACOB BETHELL – ENGLAND’S PURE YOUNG STAR! 🏴🔥
Exceptional timing. ✨
Pure class. 👏
Brilliant shot selection. 🎯
Calm under pressure. 💯England have found a genuine match-winner and finisher for the future.
The future looks bright with Jacob Bethell. ⭐🏏#JacobBethell… pic.twitter.com/6J3ikkKqzA
— Farhan Majeed (@FarhanMajeed0) July 5, 2026
“Feels weird playing against someone 7 years younger than me” – Jacob Bethell (22) after Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s debut in Manchester.#ENGvIND pic.twitter.com/tCPkTQ1S8d
— Siddharth Thakur (@fvosid) July 4, 2026
Starboy Jacob Bethell 76(46)…. watching this inning on loop mode 🥵🥵 pic.twitter.com/QlW1zdXrfB
— King In The North👑👑 (@KingInThe2North) July 5, 2026
Jacob Bethell 76(46)* Vs India
What a innings by star boy 🙌🏻 pic.twitter.com/iZrJwNBl80
— Santoshvk18 (@269signofff) July 5, 2026
Shreyas Iyer during toss – ” Pressure is a privilege”
Jacob Bethell – ” Let me show you how to handle that “
Generational player sir jacob bethell 🥶❤️🔥
pic.twitter.com/vtQYP9Ic0o— PRATHAM_18 (@Uncle_kohli) July 4, 2026
Jacob Bethell played a sensible innings held from one and smashed when it was needed.
Proud of you Boy
Kudos to @VanshuKiidpic.twitter.com/nCpNSnxG2f— Dukhi Aatmaaa (6.1ft) 🇦🇷🇧🇷 (@ChambalKeDaku) July 4, 2026
– No cringe fan girls like Gill
– No statpadding like Stubbs
– No blind slogging like Abhishek
– No fancy gimmicks like Brevis
– No reckless batting like JaiswalJust some pure cricket, that’s Jacob Bethell for you ❤️
Love you Bethell pic.twitter.com/ggAaPpowKs— HARRY📌🏴 (@akash_perumalla) July 4, 2026
Jacob Bethell Back To What He Does Best 😍 pic.twitter.com/PiBGyS3GqK
— 𝙎𝙖𝘵𝙝𝙬𝙞𝙠 (@SathwikYadav18) July 4, 2026
GET IN! 🦁
Bethell brings us home! 🙌
Match Centre: https://t.co/Ty6o76s7Vk pic.twitter.com/BKMV8bamSC
— England Cricket (@englandcricket) July 4, 2026
Also READ: Kapil Dev offers his take on Virat Kohli’s retirement from Test cricket
For latest cricket news & updates, visit CricketTimes.com.
