IND vs ENG 3rd T20I : The India vs England 3rd T20I in Rajkot proved to be a riveting contest as England clinched a vital 26 run victory to stay alive in the five match series. Despite entering the game with their backs against the wall, England delivered a superb all round performance to halt India’s momentum and narrow the series deficit to 2-1.
IND vs ENG 3rd T20I : England Roars Back – Clinical Victory Over India in the 3rd T20I Keeps Series Alive
Table of Contents
England’s Innings: A Tale of Twists and Late Flourishes
Opting to bat first, England’s start was powered by a scintillating 76 run partnership between Ben Duckett and Jos Buttler for the second wicket. Duckett was the star of the show early on, smashing a 28-ball 51 with crisp boundaries and innovative shots, while Buttler contributed a steady 40 off 31 balls.
However, India’s spin sensation Varun Chakravarthy turned the game on its head. The mystery spinner delivered a spellbinding 5/24, reducing England from 87/2 in the 10th over to 127/8 in the 16th. Chakravarthy’s quick dismissals, including Duckett and Overton, left England reeling.
But just as India looked to bowl England out for a modest total, Liam Livingstone provided a counterpunch. His explosive 43 off 24 balls, laced with three towering sixes, pushed England to a defendable 171/9. His onslaught in the death overs, combined with crucial contributions from the tailenders, ensured England had something to bowl at.
India’s Chase: A Struggle for Momentum
Chasing 172, India faltered early and often. Openers Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson failed to convert their starts, with England’s pace duo of Mark Wood and Jofra Archer striking in the powerplay. Suryakumar Yadav briefly provided hope with an audacious six and four but mistimed a shot off Wood, leaving India tottering.
The game changing moment came when Adil Rashid dismantled India’s in form Tilak Varma with a ripper that crashed into the stumps. Rashid’s spell of 1/15 not only broke India’s rhythm but also stifled their scoring rate. Between the 7th and 15th overs, India endured a shocking eight-over boundary drought, a rarity in T20 cricket.
Despite Hardik Pandya’s gritty knock of 40 off 34 balls, India never found the acceleration needed to chase the target. His late partnership with Axar Patel brought a flicker of hope, but Jamie Overton’s three wickets, including Pandya’s dismissal in the 18th over, sealed England’s victory. India finished with a paltry 145/9 in their 20 overs.
Key Performers
- Ben Duckett (ENG): His blistering half-century laid the foundation for England’s total.
- Varun Chakravarthy (IND): The mystery spinner’s 5/24 almost turned the tide in India’s favor.
- Liam Livingstone (ENG): His late fireworks helped England cross the 170-run mark.
- Adil Rashid (ENG): Rashid’s economical spell broke India’s backbone in the middle overs.
- Jamie Overton (ENG): Three crucial wickets ensured India never got close to the target.
Takeaways from the Match
England’s ability to hold their nerve in crucial moments was the standout feature of this game. Their bowlers, led by Rashid and Overton, executed their plans brilliantly and took full advantage of India’s struggles to find the boundary. Livingstone’s counterattack with the bat was equally pivotal in shifting the momentum back in England’s favor after Chakravarthy’s sensational spell.
For India, the loss highlighted a few areas of concern. The lack of partnerships and inability to rotate strike during critical phases cost them dearly. Additionally, skipper Suryakumar Yadav’s dip in form remains a talking point, as his contributions have been below par in this series so far.
With the series now poised at 2-1 in favor of India, the fourth T20I promises to be a high stakes encounter. While India will look to bounce back and clinch the series, England will be eager to ride the momentum and force a decider. With both teams having displayed flashes of brilliance and vulnerability, fans can expect another thriller in the next match.
FAQs
Who won the 3rd T20I between India and England?
England defeated India by 26 runs in the 3rd T20I
What was the final score of the match?
England scored 171/9 in 20 overs, and India managed 145/9 in response
