Picture : BCCI / X
India bounced back brilliantly from early batting jitters to beat England by 15 runs in thrilling 4th T20I at Pune. With this win India have clinched the series and now lead 3-1 in the five-match series.
Earlier, England skipper Jos Buttler won the toss and opted to bowl first . His move appeared to have paid off well as English bowlers struck early to jolt India . Sanju Samson ( 1), Tilak Varma ( 0), Skipper Suryakumar Yadav in horrible form out for ( 0). India rocked at total of 12/3 . Abhishek Sharma put things back with 19 ball 29 ( 4 fours , 1 six) . He was supported by Rinku Singh ( 30) 26 balls 4 fours 1 six. For England Saqib Mahmood did the early damage with three wicket burst
But it was the stand between Shivam Dube and Hardik Pandya that swung the match decisively India’s way. Dube was free flowing in his aggressive 34 ball 53 ( 7 fours, 2 sixes). All rounder Hardik Pandya finally came good with a timely 30 ball 53 ( 4 fours, 4 sixes) . The duo helped India reach a fighting 181/ 9 in their 20 overs.
During India’s batting innings, Shivam Dube was hit on the helmet and did not come out to the field. Ramandeep Singh was on the field for the powerplay overs, and it seemed like he was the concussion substitute. However, pacer Harshit Rana was eventually named the concussion substitute. Rana turned out to be the game-changer, taking the vital wickets of Liam Livingstone, Jacob Bethell and Jamie Overton. Rana’s presence left England skipper Buttler fuming.
England bowling figures read : Saqib Mahmood 3/ 35 ( 4 overs) , Brydon Carse 1/ 39 ( 4 overs), Jofra Archer 0/37 ( 4 overs) , Jamie Overton 2/ 32 (4 overs) , Adil Rashid 1/ 35 ( 4 overs)
England were solid in the chase racing to 62 in 6 overs. Openers Phil Salt ( 23 ) 21 balls , 4 fours , while his partner Ben Duckett was aggressive in his 19 ball 39 ( 7 fours, 1 six) . Duckett fell first at the total of 62 . Salt later at 65 and adding to their woes Skipper Jos Butter for 2 at 67. England chase suddenly looked to wobble .
Harry Brook repaired the damage with his counter attacking 51 ( 26 balls , 5 fours, 2 sixes). England would have wanted him to stay till the end. But that was not to be. Dangerous Liam Livingstone was out for ( 9) , Jacob Bethell ( 6) , Brydon Carse ( 0), Jamie Overton ( 19) Jofra Archer ( 0) , Saqib Mahmood ( 1), Adil Rashid not out 10. England after a bright start were bowled out for 166/ 10 in 19. 4 overs) . India winning tight contest by 15 runs
For India : Arshdeep Singh 1/ 35 ( 3.4 overs) , Hardik Pandya 0/ 11( 1 over), Varun Chakravarthy 2/ 28 ( 4 overs), Axar Patel 1/ 26 ( 3 overs) , Ravi Bishnoi 3/ 28 ( 4 overs) , Harshit Rana 3/ 33 ( 4 overs)
The final match of the T20 I series will be played at Wankhede Mumbai on February 2. India hoping to finish off with 4-1 while England a consolatory 3-2.
Match: 4th T20I
Venue: Pune | Date: Jan 31, 2025
