England batter Jacob Bethell rates his 46-ball 76* in the T20I win over India among his favorite innings, saying “nothing sweeter” than finishing a successful chase unbeaten.

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England all-rounder Jacob Bethell described his unbeaten 76 off 46 balls against India as one of the most satisfying innings of his international career after guiding his team to a four-wicket victory in the opening T20I of the series.

While Bethell has previously scored memorable centuries for England, including 154 against Australia in the Ashes and a blistering 108 off 54 balls against India in the T20 World Cup semi-final, both innings ended in defeat. This time, however, he was able to walk off the field unbeaten and on the winning side, making the performance even more special.

Speaking after the match, Bethell said the innings ranks close to the top among his best performances for England because it directly contributed to a victory.

England were chasing 191 and found themselves in early trouble at 1 for 2 after losing Phil Salt and Jos Buttler inside the first five deliveries. Bethell arrived at the crease under pressure but remained calm as captain Harry Brook launched a counterattack, scoring a rapid 39 off 15 balls and significantly reducing the required run rate.

Bethell then played the anchor role before accelerating brilliantly in the closing stages. At the end of the 16th over, England still needed 49 runs from the final four overs. The turning point came when India leg-spinner Ravi Bishnoi delivered two back-foot no-balls, handing Bethell crucial free-hits. The left-hander capitalized immediately, launching both deliveries into the stands and shifting momentum decisively in England’s favor.

Bethell scored 34 runs from his final 10 balls, including a spectacular reverse-lap six, as England completed the chase with an over to spare. He eventually finished unbeaten on 76, sharing the winning moments with Jofra Archer at the crease.

Reflecting on the chase, Bethell said T20 cricket often hinges on a few key overs and that Bishnoi’s free-hits provided the perfect opportunity to attack. He also praised Harry Brook’s aggressive start, which allowed him to settle into the innings before accelerating later.

“There’s nothing sweeter as a batter than walking off not out with a win,” Bethell said after the match, highlighting the satisfaction of helping England take a 1-0 lead in the series against India.

Looking ahead, Bethell is set for a new challenge in the upcoming ODI series, where he will open the batting alongside Ben Duckett. The 21-year-old believes their contrasting scoring areas could make them an effective partnership at the top of the order.

Although he has not previously opened in international 50-over cricket, Bethell is excited about the opportunity and plans to combine elements of his red-ball and T20 approach to develop a successful ODI template.

With confidence high after his match-winning performance, Bethell will be eager to carry his form into the remaining T20Is and the ODI series as England look to build momentum against India.