England defeated India by four runs to reach the final of the Physical Disability Champions Trophy in Sri Lanka.
England’s win means they top the four-team table and are guaranteed a top-two finish alongside India, so the two nations meet again in Tuesday’s final.
India beat England in the first group game earlier this week, but the latter exacted revenge on Saturday, securing victory from the last ball of the match as they successfully defended a total of 169-7.
India needed 12 runs off the last over after some explosive overs, with the first ball going for a six, England’s Liam O’Brien was able to claim a wicket and bowl three dot balls.
“It was a really good game,” said England’s Alex Hammond, who top scored with 33-55 and 1-22.
“India bowled well with the new ball and we lost a couple of early wickets, it was nice to see Jamie Goodwin get us off to a good start with a couple of boundaries up top.
“Coming off the powerplay we had lost three of the four wickets so Angus Brown and I were together quite early. He gave me a bit more time to settle in and let me start with a ball;
“We were in a good position after getting to 170. The bowlers started brilliantly at the top, Jordan Williams was excellent throughout the series and he was again supported by Liam O’Brien, Callum Flynn and Anthony Clapham.”
England have lost just one group game and will finish in the top two (Owen Jervis)
England are confident ahead of Tuesday’s final
England lost early wickets, but Hammond and Angus Brown steadied the ship in the middle order, both securing their first half-centuries of the tournament.
“They’re not unbeatable. We proved that in India last year,” Hammond said. “Once we get rid of that fear and get our skills back, we’re really competitive.
“We haven’t had a perfect game yet. We could have got 180, 190 or 200 with the ball at the end, but maybe not at the end.”
Brown added: “We are very confident. We are defending our skills and we are going to learn from this game. We cannot lose so many wickets early, but we are confident of going to the final.”
