A brilliant bowling display from England’s pacers and Tilak Varma’s lone fight weren’t enough as India faltered in the third T20I.
Rajkot, January 29: England kept the five-match T20I series alive with a 26-run win over India in the third game at Rajkot, reducing the series deficit to 2-1. Despite early promise from Abhishek Sharma, India fell short in chasing England’s target of 172 runs, ultimately managing only 145/9.
India’s Chase Falters Under Pressure
India’s chase started with a mix of aggression and setbacks. Abhishek Sharma (24 off 14) displayed early fireworks but fell victim to Brydon Carse, who had a standout performance. Sanju Samson (3) succumbed to Jofra Archer’s fiery pace, leaving India in trouble at 31/2.
Suryakumar Yadav (14 off 7) looked promising but couldn’t capitalize, as Carse struck again. India stumbled further when Washington Sundar (9) and Tilak Varma (40) failed to steady the ship. At 85/5 in 12.1 overs, the task became herculean.
Hardik Pandya’s fighting 40 kept India in the hunt, but the mounting required run rate and England’s disciplined bowling sealed India’s fate. Brydon Carse (3/23) capped off his stellar performance by dismissing Dhruv Jurel in the final over, restricting India to 145/9.
England’s Innings: Duckett Shines Amid Wickets
After winning the toss and opting to field, India made early inroads as Hardik Pandya dismissed Phil Salt cheaply for 5. Ben Duckett (51 off 28) and Jos Buttler (24 off 22) revived England with a 76-run stand, taking England to 87/2 by the 10th over.
India’s spinners, led by Varun Chakravarthy, dismantled England’s middle order. Chakravarthy claimed his second five-wicket haul in T20Is, finishing with figures of 5/27. Ravi Bishnoi chipped in, removing Harry Brook (8) as England slumped to 127/8.
Liam Livingstone’s counterattacking 43 off 28, including five sixes, propelled England to a respectable 171/9. The lower-order contributions of Mark Wood and Adil Rashid ensured England had a competitive total.
Key Performances
- Ben Duckett (ENG): 51 (28), 7 fours, 2 sixes
- Brydon Carse (ENG): 3/23 in 4 overs
- Hardik Pandya (IND): 40 (32), 2/33 in 4 overs
- Varun Chakravarthy (IND): 5/27 in 4 overs
What’s Next
The fourth T20I will take place in Pune, with England looking to level the series and India aiming to secure a series win.
England’s Total: 171/9 in 20 overs
India’s Total: 145/9 in 20 overs
Result: England won by 26 runs