India Clinches T20I Series Against England With Thrilling 15-Run Victory.
India secured a thrilling 15-run win against England in the fourth T20I match, clinching the series 3-1. The victory was made possible by outstanding performances from Shivam Dube and Hardik Pandya, who both scored 53 runs.
The match played at the Gahunje stadium in Pune, saw India batting first after losing the toss. However, the team’s top order struggled to gauge the pace and bounce of the wicket and they paid the price.
Pacer Saqib Mahmood, who came in for Mark Wood, had a three-wicket maiden in the innings’ second over, leaving India reeling at 12/3.
Also, read| Cricketer Rinku Singh To Marry Samajwadi Party MP, Priya Saroj
Despite the rocky start, Shivam Dube and Hardik Pandya’s crucial partnership turned the tide, putting on 87 runs off 44 balls for the sixth wicket. Dube, who came in for Washington Sundar, rode on his luck to score 53 runs off 34 balls with 7 fours and 2 sixes. Jos Buttler dropped him at slip off Adil Rashid before he had scored a run.
Hardik Pandya, on the other hand, treated speedster Jofra Archer with disdain, clearing the ground cleanly. He also hit a breathtaking four between the tiny gap of straightened long-off and deep widish long-off.
He hit a waist-high full toss no-ball off Jamie Overton for four in the 18th over. Pandya’s 53 runs off 30 balls with 4 fours and 4 sixes, were instrumental in taking India to a competitive total of 181/9.
England’s run chase was marred by careless batting with the team losing three wickets for just five runs after a strong start. Despite Harry Brook’s valiant effort, scoring 51 off 26 balls, England fell short of the target, scoring 166 runs.
Also, read| Criticism Over India’s Champions Trophy Team Selection
The English team’s batting woes were compounded by outstanding bowling performances from Harshit Rana and Ravi Bishnoi. Rana, who came in as a concussion substitute, ended with figures of 3/33, playing a pivotal role in the game. Bishnoi delivered a masterful bowling performance, taking 3/28. Varun Chakravarthy also did his bit, taking 2/28.
With this win, India has secured its 17th consecutive T20I series victory at home. The final match of the series will be played on Sunday, but the outcome is now inconsequential. The Indian team’s focus will now shift to the upcoming ODI series against Australia.
