England deal India bruising 31-run defeat in must-win World Cup clash
England dealt India a bruising 31-run defeat — and in the process ended the unbeaten streak of the Men in Blue — in the World Cup clash between the two sides at Edgbaston on Sunday.
England, who came into this match on the back of successive defeats by Sri Lanka and Australia, will be assured of a place in the last four if they beat New Zealand in their last group match on Wednesday.
India can reach the knockout phase by beating Bangladesh when they return to Edgbaston on Tuesday.
England's bid to win a first World Cup title is based on aggressive top-order batting but the runs had dried up lately.
That made their 337-7 after captain Eoin Morgan won the toss on a good pitch in Birmingham all the more heartening.
Bairstow top-scored with 111 — and got himself the player of the match award — and all-rounder Ben Stokes added a brisk 79. India paceman Mohammed Shami took a career-best 5-69.
England innings
England captain Eoin Morgan won the toss in sunny conditions on a good batting pitch. The side made a respectable 337-run total at the end of their innings, with 3 wickets remaining.
The score, though defendable, was hampered by a steady fall of wickets as Mohammad Shami claimed 5 wickets in 10 overs to destabilise England.