Saqib Mahmood took a triple-wicket maiden in his first over, dismissing Samson, Tilak Varma, and Suryakumar Yadav, leading England to a strong start in the 4th T20I.
Table of Contents
Saqib Mahmood’s Historic Triple-Wicket Maiden Shakes India in the 4th T20I
Saqib Mahmood stunned the cricketing world by delivering a record-breaking triple-wicket maiden in the 4th T20I against India at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Pune. Playing his first match of the tour in place of the injured Mark Wood, Mahmood struck gold with a sensational over that saw him dismiss three key Indian batters without conceding a single run. The spell was one for the history books, making Mahmood the first English bowler—and the first from any team—to achieve a triple-wicket maiden in T20I cricket against India.
This unforgettable moment came in the fourth over of India’s innings, setting the tone for the match and handing England a commanding early advantage. As India’s top order crumbled under Mahmood’s pace and accuracy, the visitors seized control, thanks to a brilliant bowling performance.
A Dream Start for Saqib Mahmood
Mahmood’s dream start could not have been scripted any better. With his first ball, he dismissed Sanju Samson for a mere 1 run off 3 balls. Samson, who had been troubled by the pace and bounce of Jofra Archer earlier in the series, struggled once again against Mahmood. Trying to play a pull shot, Samson misjudged the ball, getting cramped and offering a simple catch to the deep square leg fielder.
Next, Mahmood took out Tilak Varma for a golden duck, sending the young star back to the pavilion without facing a single ball. Varma charged down the track in an attempt to counterattack, but Mahmood had him caught at third man, leaving the Indian camp stunned.
The third and final wicket of the over was the biggest scalp—India’s captain, Suryakumar Yadav, who walked in at No. 4. Unlike Samson and Varma, Suryakumar started cautiously, playing out three dot balls. However, he couldn’t survive the fourth, as he chipped the ball straight to mid-on, where the catch was easily taken. With three wickets down in just six balls and no runs conceded, Mahmood had made an unforgettable mark on the match.
England’s Strong Start and India’s Early Setback
The stunning performance from Mahmood placed India under immense pressure right from the start. England’s decision to field after winning the toss, led by Jos Buttler, paid off in a big way, as India was reeling at 3-3 within the first few overs. Mahmood’s remarkable over set the stage for England’s bowlers to dominate the Indian batting lineup further.
India had been in solid form throughout the series but struggled to recover from the early loss of three top-order batsmen. With the pressure mounting, India’s middle order was left to rebuild the innings, but the damage caused by Mahmood’s magical over was evident.
Mahmood Makes History: First Ever Triple-Wicket Maiden in T20I Cricket Against India
Mahmood’s triple-wicket maiden wasn’t just a personal triumph—it was a historic achievement in T20I cricket. He became the first-ever bowler to dismiss three batsmen in a single over without conceding a run against India in this format. This achievement also made him the first English cricketer to record such a feat, further enhancing his reputation as a bowler capable of producing magical moments on the big stage.
India’s Batting Woes Continue
Despite the early blows, India’s effort to stabilize the innings was fraught with difficulties. With three of their key players back in the pavilion in a dramatic fashion, the rest of the Indian batsmen were left with the task of rescuing the innings.
India’s middle-order came into play, but the early collapse had put them on the backfoot. The team had to dig deep to find a way to counter the pressure and build a partnership. As India’s batting lineup struggled, Mahmood’s performance overshadowed any efforts to recover, with the Indian batters still feeling the sting of the devastating over.
England Makes Key Changes to XI
England made two significant changes to their lineup for this crucial match. Saqib Mahmood, who replaced Mark Wood, made an immediate impact with his record-breaking over. Additionally, all-rounder Jacob Bethell was brought into the squad, replacing Jamie Smith.
On the other side, India made some changes to their team as well. The hosts, led by Suryakumar Yadav, brought back middle-order batsman Rinku Singh, who had missed the second and third matches due to a lower back spasm. Rinku Singh replaced Dhruv Jurel in the playing XI.
India also made a couple of changes to their bowling attack. Arshdeep Singh, who had been rested in the previous match, returned in place of Mohammed Shami. Meanwhile, Washington Sundar made way for Shivam Dube in the team.
What’s Next for Both Teams?
As the match progressed, England looked to capitalize on their early breakthroughs, while India fought hard to recover and stabilize the innings. With the series poised at 2-1 in favor of India, the 4th T20I was crucial for both teams.
England’s bowlers, led by Mahmood, had an excellent start, but India’s ability to bounce back and make a competitive total was yet to be seen. With both teams making tactical adjustments, the final result of this match would set the tone for the upcoming fixtures in the series.
Key Moments and Highlights
- Saqib Mahmood delivered a record-breaking triple-wicket maiden, dismissing Sanju Samson, Tilak Varma, and Suryakumar Yadav in his first over.
- Sanju Samson fell for just 1 run, while Tilak Varma was dismissed for a golden duck, and Suryakumar Yadav was out for 0.
- Mahmood’s historic over set the stage for England to take early control of the match.
- England made two changes, with Saqib Mahmood and Jacob Bethell coming in for Mark Wood and Jamie Smith.
- India made adjustments by bringing in Rinku Singh, Arshdeep Singh, and Shivam Dube.
Conclusion: A Historic Performance by Saqib Mahmood
Saqib Mahmood’s historic triple-wicket maiden remains the standout moment of the 4th T20I, as his exceptional bowling performance set the tone for England’s dominance in the early stages of the match. His record-breaking over, dismissing three of India’s top-order batsmen, will go down in T20I history as one of the most remarkable feats in the format. As the match progresses, India will need to rebuild from the early setbacks and find a way to put pressure back on England.
With the series on the line, both teams will need to adjust their strategies and make every delivery count as they look to secure the final victory.
