England’s Fightback Seals 26-Run Victory, Series Now 2-1

England defeated India by 26 runs in the third T20I, bringing the series score to 2-1. They set a target of 172, which India struggled to chase despite an impressive start from Abhishek Sharma.

Early Breakthroughs for India

India lost key wickets early on. Abhishek Sharma managed 24 runs off 14 balls, but the pressure began to mount. Furthermore, Sanju Samson fell for just 3 runs after a fast delivery from Jofra Archer cramped him up. Shortly after, Sharma was dismissed, caught by Archer, giving Brydon Carse his first wicket.

Struggles for Suryakumar and India

India’s captain, Suryakumar Yadav, got off to a quick start but couldn’t convert it into a significant score, falling for 14 runs off 7 balls. By the end of the powerplay, India was at 51/3, putting them under heavy pressure. Although Tilak Varma tried to stabilize the innings, Washington Sundar’s promotion to the top of the order didn’t help much.

Chase Slips Away

At 85/5 in the 12th over, India found themselves in a difficult situation. Hardik Pandya (40) and Axar Patel (15) tried to keep India in the chase, but wickets kept falling. Eventually, with 32 runs needed in the final over, it became clear that India’s defeat was inevitable. Brydon Carse dismissed Dhruv Jurel, and India finished at 145/9.

England’s Early Wickets

India won the toss and chose to field. England, however, began poorly. Phil Salt played a poor shot and was dismissed, followed quickly by Harry Brook, leaving England at 7/1. But then, Ben Duckett took charge, attacking Pandya and Sundar with boundaries.

Partnership Breaks and Quick Wickets

England reached 50 runs in 5.1 overs, and by the six-over mark, they were 52/1. Jos Buttler began to find his rhythm, hitting a four and six off Ravi Bishnoi. However, Varun Chakravarthy broke the partnership, dismissing Buttler. Abhishek Sharma’s catch helped remove Duckett for 51 runs.

England’s Collapse

England’s middle order quickly collapsed. Ravi Bishnoi dismissed Harry Brook for just 8 runs, and Varun Chakravarthy took two wickets in two balls, leaving England at 115/6. Chakravarthy claimed his second five-wicket haul, dismissing Carse and Archer. England was now at 127/8 after 16 overs. Despite the collapse, Liam Livingstone hit three sixes, but was dismissed for 43 runs. Consequently, England finished with 171/9 in 20 overs.

India Falls Short in Chase

Although Sharma’s early fireworks gave India hope, the chase ultimately faltered. India finished at 145/9, handing England a 26-run victory. As a result, the series score is now 2-1 in India’s favor.