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Bethell's Century in Vain as England's T20 World Cup Dream Ends

England batter Jacob Bethell expressed deep disappointment after his brilliant, record-breaking century failed to prevent England's semi-final loss to India in the T20 World Cup. He described the feeling of achieving personal milestones in a losing cause as a "tough pill to swallow," calling cricket a "cruel game." Bethell highlighted Axar Patel's stunning catches to dismiss Harry Brook and Will Jacks as the pivotal moment that changed the match's complexion. Despite the defeat, the 22-year-old made history by scoring the second-fastest century in T20 World Cup history.

Key Points: England's Bethell Reflects on T20 WC Semi-Final Loss

  • Bethell scored second-fastest T20 WC century
  • His ton came in a losing semi-final cause
  • He now has centuries in all three formats for England
  • Axar Patel's catches were a key turning point
2 min read

T20 WC: 'Cricket's a cruel game, it's tough pills to swallow,' Bethell after England's SF loss

Jacob Bethell scored a record century but England fell to India. He calls cricket "a cruel game" after another personal milestone in a defeat.

"Cricket's a cruel game. Personal performances don't always solidify into team performances. - Jacob Bethell"

Mumbai, March 4

England batter Jacob Bethell was left disappointed after his brilliant century went in vain, calling "it a tough pill to swallow" as England lost to India in the second semi-final of the T20 World Cup 2026 at the Wankhede Stadium on Thursday.

Despite the defeat, Bethell created history by scoring the second-fastest century in T20 World Cup history. The 22-year-old left-hander reached the milestone in just 45 balls.

Bethell now has centuries in all three formats for England. Earlier this year, he had scored a hundred against Australia in the fifth Ashes Test in Sydney, though England had lost that match as well.

Reflecting on both centuries coming in the losing cause, Bethell said, "Yeah, I think they're not comparable, really. The skills and the kind of mentality and thinking are different between the two of them. Both feelings are pretty good. But both of them have come in losing causes, which is a weird feeling. You know, cricket's a cruel game. Personal performances don't always solidify into team performances. So both of those are tough pills to swallow," Bethell said after the match.

Bethell also praised Axar Patel's fielding effort, saying the two catches of Harry Brook and Will Jacks proved to be a turning point in the match.

"I think that Brookie catch, it was a good catch. But the game was far more, far apart at that point. But to do it under the pressure when me and Jacksy had that partnership going, really, was a dagger to us," he said.

"I think you look at it in a broader expanse of the game. If Jacky's was there in the next over when Bumrah was bowling, we must have put more pressure on him and then we don't have to get 30 off the last. I think that definitely changed the complexion of the game and fair play to him. They were two hell of a catch," he added.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
Have to feel for Bethell. Scoring a century that fast and still losing must be devastating. He's right, cricket can be cruel. But full credit to Axar Patel – those catches were absolutely world-class and made the difference.
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Priyanka N
Bethell is a serious talent, no doubt. But this is why we love this sport – one moment of brilliance in the field (Axar's catch) can overshadow a brilliant century. Jasprit Bumrah's last over was pure clutch. Well done, India!
R
Rahul R
Respect to Bethell for his gracious words even in defeat. He acknowledged Axar's effort. That's sportsmanship. But honestly, the Wankhede crowd was the 12th man! The energy was unbelievable. 🇮🇳
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Aman W
A small critique though – the article focuses a lot on the losing centurion. What about our bowlers who pulled it back? Bumrah, Kuldeep... they executed the plans under immense pressure. That's the real story for Indian fans.
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Kriti O
45-ball century in a World Cup semi-final is insane! Hats off. But as they say in Hindi, "Khel hi aisa hai" (That's just how the game is). Individual records are nice, but the trophy is what matters. So happy for India!

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