Pune witnessed a sensational T20I clash as India triumphed over England by 15 runs, securing an unassailable 3-1 lead in the five-match series. The match was a rollercoaster swinging back and forth until the very end.
India's victory was well-earned, with contributions from both bat and ball. Harshit Rana's three-wicket haul proved crucial, although his inclusion as substitute for Shivam Dube sparked some controversy. India's spinners played a pivotal role in turning the tide, wrestling back control after a blistering start from England's openers.
Ben Duckett and Phil Salt got England off to a flying start, smashing 62 runs in the powerplay. However, their momentum was halted by Ravi Bishnoi, who dismissed Duckett on the last ball of the sixth over. Axar Patel struck in the very next over, removing Salt, and Bishnoi returned to claim the crucial wicket of Jos Buttler.
Earlier in the match, India's innings was a story of resilience and recovery. Hardik Pandya and Shivam Dube smashed crucial half-centuries, rescuing the team from a precarious position of 79/5. Pandya's explosive innings of 53 runs off 30 balls, before falling to Jamie Overton, provided the much-needed impetus. Dube's contribution was equally valuable, showcased his ability to perform under pressure.
India's innings had a dramatic start, with Saqib Mahmood claiming three wickets in his opening over, including the dismissals of Sanju Samson, Tilak Varma, and Suryakumar Yadav. Mahmood's stunning triple-wicket maiden put India on the back foot early on.
England captain Jos Buttler won the toss and elected to field first, making this the first match of the series where India batted first. India made two changes to their playing XI, bringing back Arshdeep Singh and Rinku Singh in place of Mohammed Shami and Dhruv Jurel, and including Shivam Dube for the first time in the series, replacing Washington Sundar.
England had been steadily improving throughout the series, culminating in their victory in the third T20I. However, India's bowlers rose to the occasion in Pune, restricting England's chase and securing a well-deserved series win. The match showcased the unpredictable nature of T20 cricket, with both teams experiencing moments of brilliance and vulnerability. India's victory is a testament to their depth and ability to bounce back from challenging situations.
