Bethell spoils Sooryavanshi's big day as England edge out India
Neil Squires July 07, 2026 12:29 AM
Jacob Bethell delivered a masterclass to overshadow Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's historic India debut, guiding England to a thrilling four-wicket win in the second T20I at Old Trafford on Saturday. The 15-year-old sensation, who broke Sachin Tendulkar's record as India's youngest-ever cricketer at 15 years and 99 days, showed flashes of brilliance, smashing two sixes in a 10-ball 14, including a breathtaking pick-up off Josh Tongue and a stunning one-kneed slog over fine leg off Jofra Archer.

However, his fairytale ended when Will Jacks trapped him with spin, leading to a stumping by Jos Buttler. Despite a fiery 43 from Abhishek Sharma and a top-score of 49 from Ishan Kishan, India managed 190-7. England's chase began disastrously with Arshdeep Singh removing both openers for ducks, but Bethell's unbeaten 76 off 46 balls, laced with five sixes, turned the tide. He capitalised on two free-hit no-balls from Ravi Bishnoi in a game-changing 29-run 17th over. Though Vaibhav took a sharp catch to dismiss Sam Curran, Bethell held his nerve to seal victory with an over to spare, leaving captain Shreyas Iyer to admit the free-hit overs "haunted" India. The series now moves to Trent Bridge for the third match.
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