Rajkot, (UNI) In a crucial encounter at Niranjan Shah Stadium here on Tuesday, England emerged victorious by 26 runs over India in the third T20I of the series.
Set a target of 172, India’s chase faltered under pressure, finishing at 145/9 in their allotted 20 overs, despite late efforts from Hardik Pandya and Axar Patel.
England posted a total of 171/9 in their innings, with key contributions from Ben Duckett and Liam Livingstone. Duckett’s explosive 51 off 28 balls, including seven boundaries and two sixes, gave England a solid foundation. Alongside him, Livingstone smashed 43 off 24 balls, a knock that kept the scoreboard ticking. However, despite the solid start, England’s middle order collapsed under the brilliance of India’s leg-spinner, Varun Chakravarthy.
Chakravarthy was the star of the innings, picking up a remarkable 5/24. His clever variations in flight and spin caused chaos in the English batting lineup. Following Duckett’s dismissal by Axar, England lost five wickets for just 32 runs between the 11th and 16th overs. The collapse started with Livingstone’s wicket, caught by Pandya off his own bowling. Ravi Bishnoi also made a mark, dismissing Harry Brook for just 8 runs.
Despite the collapse, England’s lower order found some fight. Livingstone’s five sixes had ensured that England stayed competitive, but his dismissal by Pandya marked a turning point. As England’s middle order faltered, Pandya and Chakravarthy kept things tight, reducing England’s momentum and leaving them with a challenging total of 171/9.
India’s chase began shakily, with England’s disciplined bowling attack putting them on the back foot. India lost early wickets, with Sanju Samson departing for a cheap 3 runs. Suryakumar Yadav, who has had no good outing, struggled against Mark Wood and fell for 14 runs after attempting a scoop shot.
Abhishek Sharma seemed to be building a promising innings, striking 24 off 14 balls with five boundaries, but his knock was halted by a stunning catch by Jofra Archer, leaving India in further trouble.
At 85/5 in the 12th over, India’s hopes rested on Pandya and Axar. The duo tried to revive the chase, with Pandya contributing 40 runs off 35 balls, and Axar adding a valuable 15 off 16 balls. However, the task proved too steep, as England’s seamers, Archer and Jamie Overton, maintained the pressure throughout.
Archer’s tight spell of 2/33 and Overton’s 3/24 left India no chance of reaching the target. Overton’s key wickets and tight bowling by English bowlers ensured that India never gained any real momentum in the final overs.
As the final ball was bowled, India were restricted to 145/9, handing England a well-earned 26-run victory. The win helped England reduce the five-match series margin by 1-2, keeping the contest alive as both teams prepare for the remaining two matches in the series.
England Innings: Ben Duckett 51 (28 balls), Liam Livingstone 43 (24 balls), Varun Chakravarthy 5/24; India Innings: Hardik Pandya 40 (35 balls), Abhishek Sharma 24 (14 balls), Jofra Archer 2/33, Jamie Overton 3/24.