World Cup 2019: Twitter reacts as Jonny Bairstow stars in win against India to keep England alive

When India took on England today at Edgbaston, it was a battle between two teams, but three more teams were equally invested in it. England’s poor performances made the semi-final race interesting, and India had a chance to further spice things up. But a 31-run victory ensured that England are still alive in this World Cup with 10 points from 8 games.

Before the chase, Indian fans were hoping for their injured opener KL Rahul to be fit. That he was, but he did not trouble the scoreboard as Chris Woakes sent him back for a duck. Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli found it difficult to get going initially, but once they were set, both started playing big shots.

The Indian skipper yet again failed to convert his half-century to a century as Liam Plunkett got the better of him in the 29th over. World Cup debutant Rishabh Pant failed to impress and scored only 32 runs. Hardik Pandya’s 33-ball 45 was exciting, but once he got out, it was curtains for the "Men in Orange".

England had luck on their side when they came out to bat. Jonny Bairstow could have been played on a couple of times, but instead got boundaries. Both Bairstow and Jason Roy eventually started to play their natural games, and the Indian spinners were on the receiving end of the onslaught today.

After Roy’s dismissal for 66, Bairstow set up a 55-run partnership with Joe Root. The English opener registered his eighth ODI ton, but was dismissed soon after by Mohammed Shami. Ben Stokes took the baton from him and maintained the continuous flow of runs.

But wickets kept falling at the other end. Indian pacer Mohammed Shami, who is currently enjoying the form of his life, picked up five wickets. Stokes’ 54-ball 79 helped England reach 337.

Liam Plunkett and Chris Woakes bowled exceptionally well for the hosts, while Ben Stokes went ballistic towards the end with the bat in hand. But the star of the match was Jonny Bairstow. The 29-year-old scored 111 runs in 109 balls, hitting ten boundaries and four sixes in the process. When he got out, the stage was already set for the likes of Jos Buttler and Ben Stokes to thrive upon.

The unbeaten run comes to an end. A hard day at the office for the boys. The business end of the tournament is still up for grabs. Come on boys let’s regroup and get back on track. #INDvENG #CWC19

— Suresh Raina🇮🇳 (@ImRaina) June 30, 2019

England had advantage of toss and batting first, 338 not an easy target to chase. But India’s lack of chutzpah and bravado unedifying

— Cricketwallah (@cricketwallah) June 30, 2019

This is India's first loss during the league stage of a #CWC since losing to South Africa at Nagpur in 2011. Since then had won 12 consecutive matches during the league stage.#EngvInd#IndvEng#CWC19#CWC2019

— Mohandas Menon (@mohanstatsman) June 30, 2019

Disappointing finish. A run-a-ball partnership can't win games. Was exciting till Pandya was in.

— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) June 30, 2019

Lots have said, ‘the team that beats India, will win the CWC’...

— Kevin Pietersen🦏 (@KP24) June 30, 2019

Not sure what Kedar and Dhoni trying to do here. Its not about winning but its about showing the intent to win....

— Broken Cricket (@BrokenCricket) June 30, 2019

Brilliant start by England, EXACTLY what we needed. So good to have @JasonRoy20 back in the side & to see Bairstow let his bat do rather better talking then his interviews. 👍#ENGvIND

— Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) June 30, 2019

Never mind Team india you guys fought well chin up and only way from here upwards @BCCI well played @ECB_cricket congratulations @jbairstow21 @ImRo45 class 👍

— Harbhajan Turbanator (@harbhajan_singh) June 30, 2019

There will be much discussion on Kedar Jadhav and some on Dhoni. But India’s real worry should be the two top spinners, Kuldip Yadav and Chahal going for 160...

— Shekhar Gupta (@ShekharGupta) June 30, 2019

If Dhoni and Jadhav got out trying to hit a boundary 5 overs ago, nobody would have blamed them. But they started blocking when team needed 12 an over in last 6, very possible in today’s game. Shameful, pathetic batting display.

— Gappistan Radio (@GappistanRadio) June 30, 2019

It’s the same Rohit sharma who was batting before and it’s the same Rohit sharma who’s batting now yeah ! Hitman you beauty 🥳 #world class @ImRo45

— yuvraj singh (@YUVSTRONG12) June 30, 2019

India's innings split:1-10 ---- 28/111-20 ---- 55/021-30 ---- 69/131-40 ---- 82/241-50 ---- 72/1#ENGvIND #CWC19

— Saj Sadiq (@Saj_PakPassion) June 30, 2019

1992: England beat India in the World Cup. 2019: England beat India in the World Cup. Pakistan, this is still your year.

— Peter Miller (@TheCricketGeek) June 30, 2019

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