Jacob Bethell in END vs IND 2nd T20I (Source: AFP)
Jacob Bethell produced a match-winning performance to guide England to a four-wicket victory against India in the second T20I at Emirates Old Trafford, Manchester.
The win not only gave England 1-0 advantage in the five-match series but also saw them break a 14-year-old record for their highest successful run chase against India in T20Is.
India made a competitive total of 190/7 after being asked to bat first. Abhishek Sharma (43 runs off 24 balls), Ishan Kishan (49 runs off 40 balls) and captain Shreyas Iyer (37 runs off 22 balls) made valuable contributions.
Tilak Varma provided the finishing touch with an attacking cameo that pushed India close to the 200-run mark.
The biggest talking point during India's innings was the debut of Vaibhav Sooryavanshi.
At just 15 years and 99 days old, the teenage batter became India's youngest-ever men's international player, breaking Sachin Tendulkar's long-standing record.
Also Read: Shreyas Iyer Openly Blames Ravi Bishnoi For His 3rd Loss As India Captain
Jacob Bethell Emerges As India's Biggest Challenge
England's chase, however, began in disastrous fashion. Arshdeep Singh struck twice in the very first over, dismissing both Phil Salt and Jos Buttler without allowing either batter to score.
India looked firmly in control at that stage, but Jacob Bethell had other plans.
Harry Brook immediately shifted the momentum and made 39 off only 15 balls, attacking the Indian bowlers from the outset.
After Brook's dismissal, Bethell took complete control of the chase, finding the boundaries regularly while rotating the strike with ease. He also built a crucial 67-run partnership with Tom Banton, who contributed 39 runs from 32 balls.
India's bowlers struggled to contain Bethell, especially leg-spinner Ravi Bishnoi, whose expensive spell proved decisive.
Bishnoi conceded 60 runs in his four overs, including a costly 17th over that leaked 29 runs and completely moved the match in England's favour.
Jacob Bethell made an unbeaten 76 runs from just 46 balls at a strike-rate of 165.22.
The innings added another memorable chapter to Bethell's T20I career. It also became one of his highest scores in the format, with only his remarkable 105 against India at Mumbai earlier in 2026 standing above it.
Highest Individual Scores for Jacob Bethell in T20Is:
- 105 vs India, Mumbai (Wankhede), 2026
- 75* vs India, Manchester, 2026, Today*
- 62* vs West Indies, Gros Islet, 2024
Jacob Bethell Helps England Break 14-Year-Old Record
England's successful chase of 191/6 in Manchester created a new record for their highest successful run chase against India in T20Is.
The previous record had stood for 14 years, dating back to 2012, when England chased down 178 by finishing on 181/4 at Mumbai's Wankhede Stadium.
With the victory in Manchester, England comfortably surpassed that milestone by chasing 191, making it their biggest successful chase against India in the format.
Highest Successful Run-Chase for England vs India in T20Is:
- 191/6 – Manchester, 2026 (T-191), Today*
- 181/4 – Mumbai (Wankhede), 2012 (T-178)
- 170/0 – Adelaide, 2022 (T-169)
With the series now 1-0, pressure will be on India to bounce back when they next face England in the 3rd T20I on 7th July.
Also Read: Shreyas Iyer Issues Statement On Vaibhav Sooryavanshi After Failed Debut
