The third match of the series at Arun Jaitley Cricket Stadium turned into a thrilling run-fest, with India chasing down a daunting target to secure a 5-wicket victory and take the lead in the series.
England Post a Strong Total Amid Chaos
England put up an impressive 148 on the board in their 10 overs, but their innings was a mix of explosive batting and costly errors. Jos Buttler led the charge with a blistering 42 off just 13 balls, showcasing his trademark power-hitting. He was well supported by Tom Banton (22 off 8) and Sam Curran, who smashed 24 off only 6 deliveries.
However, England’s innings never fully stabilized due to frequent run-outs and regular wickets. The middle order faltered under pressure, with key players like Liam Livingstone dismissed for a duck. These setbacks prevented England from pushing beyond the 150-mark despite a flying start.
India’s bowling effort was shared, with Jasprit Bumrah and Varun Chakravarthy picking up two wickets each. While some bowlers proved expensive, timely breakthroughs ensured England were restricted to a chaseable total.
India’s Batting Firepower Steals the Show
In response, India came out with aggressive intent, chasing down 149 in just 8.2 overs. The innings began explosively with Abhishek Sharma smashing 16 off 5 balls, setting the tone early.
The highlight of the chase was Ishan Kishan, who delivered a breathtaking knock of 50 off just 19 balls. His fearless strokeplay dismantled England’s bowling attack and swung the momentum firmly in India’s favor. He found excellent support from Suryakumar Yadav, who hammered 33 off just 10 balls in a typically flamboyant display.
Further contributions from Tilak Varma (24 off 6), Shivam Dube (16* off 4), and Hardik Pandya (11* off 3) ensured India maintained a blistering scoring rate throughout the chase.
Key Moments & Takeaways
- Match Winner: Ishan Kishan – A stunning 50 off 19 balls that anchored the chase.
- England’s Strength: Jos Buttler provided a strong platform with his explosive innings.
- Turning Point: England’s multiple run-outs that disrupted momentum and limited their final total.
- India’s Depth: Contributions across the batting lineup ensured a smooth and dominant chase.
Conclusion
This match highlighted India’s superior batting depth and their ability to chase big totals under pressure. While England showed flashes of brilliance with the bat, their inability to build partnerships and control the game in crucial moments cost them dearly.
With this victory, India now takes the lead in the series, putting England on the back foot as the contest moves forward.