Bethell calls cricket 'a cruel game' after century goes in vain against India
The 22-year-old hammered 105 off 48 balls, cracking eight fours and seven sixes as England chased India's 253 for 7. He reached his fifty off 19 deliveries and brought up the century in 45 balls. None of it was enough. England finished on 246 for 7, and Bethell was eventually run out.
'Personal performances don't always solidify into team performances'
"Cricket's a cruel game," Bethell said after the match. "Personal performances don't always solidify into team performances. So both of those are tough pills to swallow."
It was a brutal way to go out. England needed the chase to be near-perfect against an Indian total that set a new record for the highest score in a T20 World Cup knockout match. Bethell almost dragged them there on his own, but wickets at the other end and tight death bowling from Jasprit Bumrah strangled the run rate when it mattered most.
Bumrah's 18th over proved decisive
Bumrah conceded just six runs in the 18th over, a spell that tipped the match back in India's favour. Hardik Pandya took two wickets for 38 runs, and the collective Indian bowling effort held firm despite Bethell's onslaught.
For England, it was a tournament that promised much. Harry Brook's side had shown real fight throughout, and Will Jacks (2 for 40) and Adil Rashid (2 for 41) had given them a chance with the ball. But 253 was always going to be a steep ask, even on a flat Wankhede deck.
Bethell's innings won't be forgotten quickly
Whatever else happens in this World Cup, Bethell's knock is one that will stick. At 22, he has the talent and the temperament to win matches on his own. The problem on Thursday night was that even his best fell just short against an Indian side peaking at exactly the right time.
India now head to Ahmedabad for the final against New Zealand on March 8.
