IND vs ENG 2026: Five Reasons Why India Lost to England in the 2nd T20I at Old Trafford
Five key reasons why India lost the 2nd T20I to England, including Ravi Bishnoi's costly over, Jacob Bethell's unbeaten 76, and Arshdeep Singh's injury.
India looked set to level the T20I series after posting 190/7 and reducing England to 0/2 in the opening over. However, England produced a remarkable comeback to chase down the target with four wickets in hand and take a 1-0 lead in the series. Here are the five biggest reasons behind India’s defeat.
1. Ravi Bishnoi’s Costly 17th Over
The turning point of the match came in the 17th over. England needed 58 runs from the last 28 balls, and India were in control. But Ravi Bishnoi leaked 29 runs, including three sixes to Jacob Bethell. Two no-balls also resulted in two free-hits, allowing England to completely change the momentum and race towards the target.
2. Jacob Bethell’s Match-Winning Knock
Jacob Bethell played one of the finest innings of the chase. The left-hander remained unbeaten on 76 from 46 balls and paced his innings brilliantly. He absorbed the pressure early before attacking India’s bowlers at the right time, making sure England stayed ahead in the closing overs.
3. India Failed to Make the Most of a Flying Start
India got exactly the start they wanted through Abhishek Sharma and Ishan Kishan. The opening pair put England under pressure, and Ishan continued the momentum with a 49-run knock. However, India’s middle order struggled to score quickly against Sam Curran and Liam Dawson. Instead of crossing 200, India finished with 190/7, a total that ultimately proved below par.
4. Harry Brook’s Aggressive Counter-Attack
England captain Harry Brook refused to let India’s early breakthroughs decide the match. After Arshdeep Singh dismissed both Phil Salt and Jos Buttler for ducks in the first over, Brook attacked immediately. His 39 off just 15 balls eased the pressure, kept the required run rate under control, and gave England the platform for Bethell to finish the chase.
5. Arshdeep Singh’s Injury Hurt India
Arshdeep Singh gave India the perfect start and finished as the team’s best bowler with figures of 3/40. However, he injured his shoulder while fielding near the boundary later in the innings. The injury reduced India’s options at the death, leaving the attack short of its most reliable pace bowler during the decisive final overs.
India will now look to bounce back quickly after letting a winning position slip away. Despite a brilliant start with both bat and ball, one expensive over, a missed chance to post a bigger total, and England’s fearless batting proved too much to overcome.
