England bounced back in the T20 series with a commanding 26-run victory over India in the third match on Tuesday, thanks to disciplined bowling and a blistering 51-run knock by Ben Duckett.
The win in Rajkot narrowed India’s lead to 2-1 in the five-match series, keeping England’s hopes alive.
Duckett’s 28-ball innings set the tone for England’s total of 171-9, despite a mid-innings collapse sparked by Indian spinner Varun Chakravarthy, who delivered an impressive 5-24.
England’s bowling unit, led by Jamie Overton, Adil Rashid, and Jofra Archer, dismantled India’s batting lineup, restricting them to 145-9. Overton took three wickets, while Archer and Brydon Carse claimed two each. Rashid delivered an economical spell, finishing with 1-15 in his four overs.
“The team bowled exceptionally well, adapting to the wicket perfectly,” said England captain Jos Buttler, praising Rashid as their “most important player.”
For India, Hardik Pandya fought hard with 40 off 35 balls but was dismissed by Overton as the required run rate soared beyond 20 per over. Archer and Carse’s early breakthroughs unsettled India’s top order, with Archer dismissing Sanju Samson and Carse removing Abhishek Sharma with a stunning catch.
Mark Wood accounted for Indian skipper Suryakumar Yadav, who top-edged a bouncer into the gloves of Phil Salt. Rashid and Overton dismantled the middle order, leaving India struggling at 85-5.
Duckett and Livingstone Propel England’s Total
Duckett’s aggressive knock, supported by a quick 43 from Liam Livingstone, gave England the edge despite losing wickets. Duckett smashed seven fours and two sixes, sharing a crucial 76-run stand with Buttler before falling to Axar Patel.
Chakravarthy’s brilliant spell, his second five-wicket haul in T20Is, saw him dismiss Buttler, Harry Brook, Jamie Smith, and Jamie Overton. Livingstone counterattacked with three sixes off Ravi Bishnoi, adding valuable runs before being caught by Pandya.
Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav acknowledged the team’s struggles, noting, “Conceding 170 from 127-8 was too much. Our batting also needs improvement.”
Mohammed Shami, making his T20 comeback after the 2023 ODI World Cup final, went wicketless, conceding 25 runs in three overs.
The fourth T20 is scheduled for Friday in Pune, where England will aim to level the series.
