England thrashed India by 10 wickets to enter the T20 World Cup 2022 final.
Chasing 169 to win, England got over the line without breaking a sweat. The duo of Hales and Buttler took the Indian bowling attack to the cleaners, sharing an unbeaten 170-run stand to overhaul the target with four overs to spare.
While Hales stayed unbeaten on 86 off 47 balls (4 fours and 7 sixes), Buttler finished with 80 not out off 49 balls (9 fours and 3 sixes).
Speaking after the game, England captain Jos Buttler expressed his delight at the clinical outing in the semi-final.
“I think the character we have shown since then (England's loss against Ireland) - it has been amazing. We came here very excited, there was a very good feeling. Everyone from 1 to 11 stood up today,” Buttler said at the post-match presentation ceremony.
“We always want to start fast and aggressive. Rashid was batting at 11, that's incredible to know that we have such depth. Hales used the dimensions well and he has shown his form. He was brilliant today. It's important to enjoy this, it was a brilliant performance from us,” he added.
England came into the all-important semi-final without their premier pacer Mark Wood due to fitness issues. However, Chris Jordan did a brilliant job, claiming three wickets while also bowling crucial overs at the death.
The England skipper had special praise reserved for Jordan. “I think we need to give special credit to Jordan, to bowl 3 overs at the death coming into the semi-final, it was a tough job. He handled the pressure towards the end pretty well, especially bowling against a world class player like Hardik Pandya,” Buttler concluded.
For his swashbuckling knock in the semi-final, Alex Hales earned the Player-of-the-Match award and the England opener agreed that it was his perfect innings.
“It will be right up there for sure. Huge occasion, India in a semifinal of a World Cup, really happy with the way I played and it is as special as it gets,” he said after the game.
Hales also admitted that he enjoys batting at the Adelaide Oval. “This is one of the best grounds to bat in especially in the powerplay, a really good surface and great value for good cricket shots, this is a ground I have good memories of and enjoy batting here,” he added.
Alex Hales was out of England’s white-ball set-up after a couple of drug tests in 2019. However, the right-hander is now being considered for the national selection and he is certainly making a mark.
“I never thought I would play in a World Cup again, so to get the chance is a very special feeling, in a country (Australia) that I love and spend a lot of time in, tonight is one of the best night's of my career. Jos was unbelievable,” Hales concluded.
England will now face Pakistan in the T20 World Cup 2022 final at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground on Sunday (November 13).
(With Cricbuzz inputs)