Stars align for Pakistan after England thump India

The Poms beat the Men in Blue by 10 wickets on Thursday

ADELAIDE: England hammered India in a massive 10-wicket victory in the second semi-final of the T20 World Cup 2022 to join Pakistan in the grand final.

Pakistan will be playing against England at the historic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) on November 13, a rematch of the 1992 World Cup final which Pakistan won by 22 runs at the same venue. 

Pakistan had defeated New Zealand in the semi-final of the 1992 edition of the global event, similar to what happened in this tournament. 

In the previous edition of the 1992 World Cup, which took place in 1987, Pakistan was beaten by Australia in the semi-final, and Australia won the final.

Likewise, in last year's T20 World Cup, Pakistan was beaten by the Aussies in the semi-final, and they won the final after beating New Zealand.

India, who were considered as one of the favourites to win the mega event, were clueless against a formidable England side. 

Put to bat first, India posted a respectable 168 runs on the scoreboard, thanks to half-centuries from Virat Kohli and all-rounder Hardik Pandya after a slow start to the game.

In reply, English openers, skipper Jos Buttler and Alex Hales played the Indian bowlers all over the park, scoring 80* and 86* respectively to guide their side to a comprehensive 10-wicket victory at the Adelaide Oval on Thursday.

Earlier on Wednesday, Pakistan defeated New Zealand by seven wickets at the Sydney Cricket Ground and booked their spot in the grand final.

After a great bowling display, the 2009 T20 World Cup champions restricted the Kiwis to a modest 152 runs before chasing down the target in 19.1 overs.

Skipper Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan scored a half-century each to guide the green shirts to victory. Young batter Mohammad Haris also contributed 30 runs.