India secure unassailable 3-1 lead in T20I series against England

India defeated England by 15 runs in Pune to take unassailable 3-1 lead in the series, thanks to impressive performances from Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, and the spinners. England, after winning the toss and reducing India to 12 for 3 and 79 for 5, seemed in control of the match. However, India fought back, with Hardik and Dube both scoring 53 runs each, helping India to a total of 181 for 9.

Despite a flying start from England, who were 62 for 1 in the powerplay, they lost wickets quickly as they reached 133 for 6 in the 15th over. India’s spinners, including Varun Chakravarthy, Ravi Bishnoi, and Axar Patel, played a key role in their comeback, taking six wickets in total. England’s chase fell apart after a strong start, with key players like Ben Duckett, Harry Brook, and Jos Buttler falling to spin.

India’s batting, despite losing wickets early, was aggressive. Abhishek Sharma played a crucial role in keeping India’s momentum going, even after the early blows. Hardik and Dube’s partnership steadied the innings, and despite a late blow when Dube was hit on the helmet, India managed to post a competitive total.

England’s chase started well with Duckett playing a quick knock of 39, but they struggled once the spinners came into play. Bishnoi removed Duckett with a flighted delivery on the last ball of the powerplay, and Axar Patel got rid of Phil Salt soon after. England’s middle order collapsed, with Buttler and Brook both dismissed by India’s spinners. Harshit Rana, in his debut match, was instrumental in the victory, taking key wickets of Livingstone, Jacob Bethell, and Jamie Overton.

Although England had a chance at 129 for 4, they couldn’t capitalize and eventually fell short, managing just 166 runs. India’s spinners and strong batting efforts earned them a well-deserved 15-run win, sealing the series victory.