England produced a strong bowling performance to defeat India by 26 runs in the third T20 international in Rajkot, keeping their hopes alive in the five-match series.
The visitors, who had lost the first two encounters, needed a win to avoid an early series defeat and delivered under pressure.
Batting first, England posted 171-9 on a pitch that seemed favorable for a higher total. Ben Duckett’s quickfire 51 off 28 balls and Liam Livingstone’s explosive 43 from 21 deliveries, which included five sixes, helped England set a competitive target.
However, India’s Varun Chakravarthy bowled superbly, claiming 5-24 as England collapsed, losing eight wickets for just 60 runs.
Despite a seemingly modest target, England’s disciplined bowling attack ensured India remained behind the required rate throughout their innings. The hosts were restricted to 145-9, falling well short of their objective.
England’s Batting Performance
After being put into bat, England started strongly, reaching 83-1 by the ninth over. Duckett led the charge with aggressive stroke play before his dismissal shifted the momentum.
England captain Jos Buttler, who looked in good touch, was given out caught behind on review for 24, becoming Chakravarthy’s first victim. Duckett followed in the next over, mistiming a shot to mid-wicket off Axar Patel.
Chakravarthy continued his fine spell, running through England’s middle order as the visitors struggled to maintain their early momentum. Despite the slump, Livingstone’s late fireworks ensured England had a fighting total.
Clinical Bowling Secures Victory
India’s chase got off to a shaky start as England’s seamers struck early blows. The hosts finished the powerplay at 51-3, with Jofra Archer dismissing Sanju Samson, who was caught at mid-on by Adil Rashid.
Archer then displayed brilliant fielding, taking a tumbling catch off Brydon Carse to remove Abhishek Sharma.
Mark Wood added to India’s woes, as captain Suryakumar Yadav skied a catch to Phil Salt, who was keeping wicket after Jamie Smith went off injured.
Adil Rashid then bowled Tilak Varma, who had played a match-winning knock in the previous game, for just 18. Rashid finished with impressive figures of 1-15 from his four overs.
Jamie Overton emerged as England’s standout bowler, claiming 3-24. His key breakthrough came when he had Washington Sundar caught by Buttler at mid-on, reducing India to 85-5 in the 13th over.
Pandya’s Resistance Falls Short
Hardik Pandya attempted to resurrect India’s innings, putting on a 48-run partnership with Axar Patel. However, with 49 runs required from the final 16 balls, the task proved too daunting. Archer dismissed Patel, and though Pandya struck him for a six soon after, his sluggish 40 off 35 deliveries was not enough to change the outcome.
When Overton dismissed Pandya, the match was effectively over as a contest. England wrapped up the innings comfortably, securing a vital win to keep their series hopes alive.
The fourth T20 will take place in Pune on Friday at 13:30 GMT, with England looking to level the series.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members
