India vs England 4th T20I Highlights: India Clinch Series with 15-Run Victory
After a setback in the third T20I, India bounced back in style to defeat England by 15 runs in the fourth match at Pune, sealing the series with one game still remaining.
Put in to bat first, India got off to a rocky start as Saqib Mahmood produced a sensational triple-wicket maiden, leaving the hosts reeling at 12/3. Despite a brief counterattack from Abhishek Sharma and Rinku Singh, India found themselves struggling again at 79/5, with England dominating the early exchanges.
However, the tide turned dramatically when Shivam Dube and Hardik Pandya steadied the innings with a brilliant partnership. Both all-rounders notched up crucial half-centuries, guiding India past the 180-run mark and setting up a competitive total.
England’s chase never quite gained momentum as India’s bowlers held their nerve in the death overs. The home side’s disciplined bowling attack and sharp fielding ensured a comfortable 15-run win—a spirited comeback that not only secured the match but also clinched the T20I series in front of an electrified Pune crowd.
India vs England 4th T20I Highlights:
India defeated England by 15 runs in the fourth T20I at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium, Pune, on Friday, sealing the series 3-1 with one match still remaining.
It was a complete team effort from the hosts, showcasing both resilience and balance after a shaky start. Harshit Rana, who came in as a concussion substitute, turned out to be the game-changer, delivering an exceptional spell of 3 wickets for 33 runs. His timely breakthroughs kept England in check during the chase.
India’s bowlers complemented a solid batting recovery to ensure a hard-fought victory, wrapping up the series in convincing fashion ahead of the final game.
England captain Jos Buttler won the toss and chose to field first, putting India under early pressure. The hosts stumbled to 12/3, but Hardik Pandya and Shivam Dube steadied the innings with commanding half-centuries, scoring 53 and 52 respectively. Their crucial 87-run stand revived India’s innings and propelled the team to a competitive total of 181/9. Rinku Singh chipped in with 30 off 26 balls, while Abhishek Sharma added a brisk 29 off 19. For England, Saqib Mahmood was the pick of the bowlers, claiming 3 for 35, including a brilliant early spell that rattled India’s top order.
In response, England started confidently, racing to 62 in the powerplay, but India’s spinners soon seized control. Ravi Bishnoi struck twice in quick succession, derailing England’s momentum, while Axar Patel and Varun Chakravarthy tightened the screws through the middle overs. Harry Brook offered resistance with a fighting half-century, but Chakravarthy dismissed him at a crucial stage, tilting the match back in India’s favor.
The finishing touch came from Harshit Rana, who made an immediate impact as a concussion substitute for Dube. On his debut, Rana impressed with 3 wickets for 33 runs, dismantling England’s tail and ensuring the visitors were bowled out for 166 in 19.4 overs.
With this 15-run victory, India clinched the five-match series 3-1, showcasing resilience and depth across departments. It was a fitting comeback after early setbacks, underlining India’s growing balance and composure in the shortest format.
India’s emphatic win in the fourth T20I was the result of a well-rounded team effort, with skipper Rohit Sharma lauding his players for their determination and composure under pressure. “It was a brilliant all-round effort. The crowd was incredible tonight — their energy really lifted us,” Rohit said after the match. “At 10 for 3, things looked tough, especially after losing three wickets in one over, but the way Hardik Pandya and Shivam Dube handled the situation showed great maturity and experience.”
Reflecting on the team’s mindset, Rohit emphasized consistency between practice and match performance. “We’ve been talking about carrying the same intent from the nets into game situations, and I think we’re starting to see that come through,” he noted.
The Indian captain also expressed faith in his side’s control after the initial setback. “Even after the powerplay, I felt we had the game in our hands. We managed to pick up crucial wickets at the right time,” he said. “Harshit Rana stepped up brilliantly as the third seamer after the drinks break — that was a game-changing spell.”
Looking ahead to the final match in Mumbai, Rohit promised an entertaining finish: “Fans can expect plenty of fireworks in the next one. We’ll keep playing with the same intent and energy.”
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