England secured a crucial 26-run victory over India in the third T20I of the five-match series at the Nirajan Shah Stadium in Rajkot, keeping the series alive with India leading 2-1. Former Indian cricketer Irfan Pathan pointed out key reasons behind India’s defeat, including their batting struggles while chasing a moderate target of 172 runs. Despite an aggressive start by Abhishek Sharma, India failed to maintain momentum and ultimately fell short of the target.
After winning the toss, Indian skipper Suryakumar Yadav chose to bowl first, hoping to capitalize on the conditions. England’s opening duo provided a solid start, with Ben Duckett playing a crucial knock, scoring a half-century. His 83-run partnership with Jos Buttler laid a strong foundation before Duckett was dismissed by Hardik Pandya, caught by Abhishek Sharma. However, England’s middle order crumbled against Varun Chakravarthy’s outstanding bowling. The spinner wreaked havoc, claiming five wickets for just 24 runs, reducing England to a precarious 127/8.
“In the T20 format ability to rotate the strike is very important on slightly slower wicket. India left it too much for too late in the end,” Irfan Pathan noted in a post.
Just when India seemed to have gained control, Liam Livingstone played a counter-attacking innings, scoring a quick 43 off 24 balls. He found valuable support from Adil Rashid and Mark Wood, who contributed 10 runs each, helping England post a competitive total of 171/9. Given India’s strong batting lineup, the target seemed achievable, but England’s bowlers responded brilliantly.
India’s chase began with promise, as Abhishek Sharma played some aggressive shots, but the top-order batters struggled to convert their starts. None of the top four managed to score beyond 24 runs, as England’s bowlers maintained relentless pressure. Hardik Pandya fought hard with a 40-run knock off 35 balls, forming a crucial 38-run partnership with Axar Patel. However, the required run rate kept increasing, and with Pandya’s dismissal in the 19th over—caught by Buttler off Jamie Overton—India’s hopes of a successful chase faded.
Despite late efforts from the lower order, India fell short by 26 runs, handing England a much-needed win. With this result, England stays alive in the series, cutting India’s lead to 2-1. Both teams now turn their focus to the fourth T20I, scheduled to take place in Pune on Friday, where India will look to secure the series, while England aims to push for a decider.
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