Kuldeep Yadav produced a terrific spell in Match 29 of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 between India and England at Ekana Cricket Stadium, Lucknow on Sunday (October 29).

The left-arm wrist-spinner returned with the figures of 2 for 24 in his 8 overs, helping India bundle out England for a paltry 129 in 34.5 overs.

Jos Buttler and Liam Livingstone were his two victims but it was the former’s dismissal that caught everyone’s attention.

Kuldeep cleaned up Buttler with a peach of a delivery. The ball pitched outside off and turned back sharply to hit the top of middle stump, leaving the England captain completely bamboozled.

This delivery to dismiss Buttler was akin to the one Kuldeep had bowled to knock over Babar Azam during the 2019 World Cup match between India and Pakistan at Old Trafford.

“I would say both balls were very good. They were the same balls in my view. There was no change. Quality is important and both were quality batters. The team also won. It was also special to play in front of a big crowd like that,” said Kuldeep in the post-match presser.

Defending the small total of 229, the pace duo of Mohammad Shami and Jasprit Bumrah ran through the English batting line-up. Shami picked up four wickets (4-22) in his 7 overs while Bumrah returned with the figures of 3 for 32 in his 6.5 overs.

“Shami and Bumrah bowled very well in the power play. My plan was just to bowl on a good length. There was spin and I used the crease well,” Kuldeep added.

Kuldeep Yadav was happy to bowl under lights on Sunday as India batted first for the first time in the competition.

“It is good if batting comes first. It is even better if the total is good, then it is more fun to bowl under lights. 230 was a decent score on this wicket. The way Rohit bhai batted it helped us put a respectable total,” he remarked.

(With PTI inputs)