In the 4th T20I of the 5-match series, India managed to secure a convincing 15-run victory against England, thanks in large part to the fifties by Hardik Pandya and Shivam Dube, complemented by some tight bowling from Indian spinners. England won the toss and elected to field first, putting India under pressure early in their innings.
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| Image Credits: ESPN Cricinfo |
India, batting first, amassed 181 runs for the loss of 9 wickets in their 20 overs. The initial phase of their innings was challenging, with Saqib Mahmood, stepping in for the rested Mark Wood, making significant inroads by taking three wickets in a maiden over, including those of Sanju Samson, Tilak Varma, and Suryakumar Yadav.
However, the middle order fought back valiantly; Abhishek Sharma and Rinku Singh added a crucial 45 runs for the fourth wicket. Later, a resilient 87-run partnership between Hardik Pandya and Shivam Dube for the sixth wicket turned the tide, ensuring India posted a defendable total.
Chasing 182, England started off briskly with an opening partnership of 62 runs, raising hopes of a successful chase. However, once the powerplay concluded, India's spinners took control. Harry Brook briefly revived England's hopes with a quick-fire 51 off 26 balls, but his dismissal by Varun Chakravarthy was a turning point.
Ravi Bishnoi emerged as the star bowler for India, claiming 3 wickets for 28 runs, while Harshit Rana, who came in as a concussion substitute for Dube, also made a significant impact with 3 wickets. England's innings ended at 166/10 in 19.4 overs, falling short by 15 runs.
Shivam Dube was rightfully awarded the Player of the Match for his match-defining knock of 53 runs from 34 deliveries, which included 7 fours and 2 sixes. With this win, India has now taken an unassailable 3-1 lead in the series, setting the stage for the final game on Sunday, February 3.
Brief Scores: India - 181/9 in 20 overs (Hardik Pandya - 53, Saqib Mahmood - 3-35) defeated England - 166/10 in 19.4 overs (Harry Brook - 51, Ravi Bishnoi - 3-38) by a margin of 15 runs
