Despite Varun Chakravarthy’s five-wicket haul, India fell short in their chase, losing by 26 runs to England in the 3rd T20I.
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England’s Dominant Bowling Keeps the Series Alive
In a thrilling third T20I in Rajkot, England pulled off a crucial 26-run victory over India, keeping the five-match series alive. After setting a target of 172, the English bowling attack, led by Adil Rashid and Jamie Overton, ensured India never gained momentum during the chase.
Varun Chakravarthy’s career-best five-wicket haul was the standout for India, but the hosts faltered with the bat, finishing at 145/9 in 20 overs. England’s win narrowed India’s series lead to 2-1, with the fourth game set to take place in Pune on January 31.
England’s Innings: Ben Duckett and Liam Livingstone Lead the Charge
England’s innings began with a mix of aggression and missteps. Despite losing early wickets, Ben Duckett anchored the innings with a brilliant 51 off 28 balls. His reverse sweeps and innovative shots unsettled the Indian bowlers.
Liam Livingstone contributed significantly in the later stages, smashing 43 off just 24 deliveries. Together, Duckett and Livingstone ensured England posted a competitive 171/9.
However, Varun Chakravarthy was India’s hero with the ball. His remarkable spell of 5/25 dismantled England’s middle order, restricting them from posting an even bigger total. Mohammed Shami, returning to international cricket after 14 months, went wicketless but bowled economically.
India’s Chase: A Struggle Against England’s Precision
Chasing 172, India struggled to find rhythm against England’s disciplined bowling. The early dismissals of Sanju Samson and Suryakumar Yadav left the team on the back foot. Hardik Pandya and Axar Patel attempted to steady the innings, but the required run rate kept climbing.
Hardik, India’s top scorer with 40 off 35 balls, fought valiantly but couldn’t find consistent support from the other end. England’s bowlers maintained pressure, with Rashid and Overton claiming crucial wickets.
Key Turning Points in India’s Chase
Axar Patel and Hardik Pandya Partnership
The duo tried to rebuild after a flurry of wickets, but Axar’s mistimed shot off Jofra Archer proved costly. England’s consistent breakthroughs made it difficult for India to keep up with the chase.
Adil Rashid’s Impactful Spell
Adil Rashid bowled with precision, dismissing Axar Patel and keeping India’s big hitters in check. His variations made scoring boundaries a challenge for the Indian batters.
Hardik Pandya’s Late Fightback
Pandya showed glimpses of brilliance, hitting a few boundaries and a six. However, his dismissal in the 18th over sealed India’s fate as the equation became too steep to overcome.
Varun Chakravarthy’s Heroics Go in Vain
Varun Chakravarthy was the standout performer for India, claiming five wickets in a spell that left England reeling in the middle overs. His variations troubled the English batters, and his ability to extract turn on the Rajkot surface was a treat to watch.
Despite his efforts, India’s batting collapse overshadowed his performance.
What This Win Means for England
This victory will boost England’s morale after losing the first two matches of the series. The team displayed resilience, particularly with their bowling, as they defended a par score under pressure.
The series now heads to Pune for the fourth T20I, where England will look to level the series. For India, addressing their batting woes and capitalizing on strong bowling performances will be critical to sealing the series.
Match Highlights at a Glance
- Top Performers (England):
- Ben Duckett: 51 (28 balls)
- Liam Livingstone: 43 (24 balls)
- Adil Rashid: 2/25
- Top Performers (India):
- Varun Chakravarthy: 5/25
- Hardik Pandya: 40 (35 balls)
- Result: England won by 26 runs, keeping the series alive.
