In a thrilling encounter filled with ups and downs, India triumphed over England by a narrow 15 runs in the fourth T20 match held in Pune, firmly securing a 3-1 lead in the series. The match was an exhilarating display of cricket, where fortunes shifted between the two teams, keeping fans on the edge of their seats until the very last ball.
Early Struggles for India
At the start of the match, things looked tough for India as they found themselves struggling at 79 for 5 after 11 overs. Their innings seemed to be at a standstill, and fans were worried that they might not set a competitive target. However, just when it seemed like all hope was lost, the Indian players found their rhythm, and a crucial partnership began to unfold that would change the course of the game.
Heroic Performances in the Middle Order
Hardik Pandya and Shivam Dube came to the rescue for India, both scoring 53 runs under pressure. Pandya’s aggressive hitting and smart shot selection showcased his experience and skill, allowing the Indian team to post a total of 181 for 9. Dube’s contribution was equally vital as he played a responsible knock, anchoring the innings during a challenging phase. Their combined effort helped India gather momentum, and they ended up scoring an impressive 65 runs in the last four overs of their innings.
England’s Promising Start
As the chase began, England’s openers started confidently, racing to 62 without losing any wickets. It looked like they might chase down the target easily. However, in a shocking twist, England’s innings suddenly fell apart as they lost three quick wickets, sliding to 67 for 3. The Indian bowlers tightened the screws, making it difficult for England to maintain their earlier momentum.
Key Wickets That Changed the Game
The star performer for India was Harshit Rana, who stepped in as a concussion substitute and took three crucial wickets for just 33 runs. His impact on the match was nothing short of extraordinary as he dismissed key players like Jos Buttler, who managed to score only 2 runs before falling to Rana’s clever bowling. Another impressive performance came from Ravi Bishnoi, who also contributed by taking vital wickets at critical moments.
A Final Stand by England
Just when it seemed like England was out of the game, Harry Brook fought back and scored a brilliant 51 runs. However, the lack of partnerships due to the staggering number of wickets lost ultimately cost England dearly. As the run chase progressed, the pressure mounted, and they could only reach 166 runs in response to India’s total, falling short by 15 runs.
Looking Ahead
With this victory, India not only clinched the series but also demonstrated their resilience in tough situations. The last T20 match is scheduled to take place in Mumbai on Sunday, where England will look to end the series on a high note, while India aims to finish with a 4-1 record.
| Match Stats | India | England |
|---|---|---|
| Total Runs | 181 | 166 |
| Top Scorer | Hardik Pandya, 53 | Harry Brook, 51 |
| Bowling Highlights | Harshit Rana (3/33) | Saqib Mahmood (3/??) |
