In an exciting showdown at Pune, India managed to clinch a hard-fought victory against England, winning the fourth T20 match by 15 runs. This thrilling match sealed the series for India, as they now lead 3-1, making the upcoming final match inconsequential for the hosts. Fans across the stadium witnessed a rollercoaster of emotions as both teams fought fiercely for every run.

A Remarkable Start for England

England began their chase of India’s total of 181 runs looking strong. They raced to 62 without losing a wicket, showing impressive form early in the game. However, things took a sudden turn as India’s bowlers made crucial breakthroughs. The crowd held their breath as England’s batting crumbled, losing three wickets for just five runs in a breathtaking collapse.

Key Players Shine

Harry Brook was a standout player for England, contributing a solid 51 runs, which gave his team hope during the intense chase. However, their early partnership quickly turned sour as the Indian bowlers executed their plans expertly. Ben Duckett scored a decent 39 runs before falling, while Jos Buttler struggled and managed only 2 runs before being dismissed. It was clear that while England had a bright start, they had to contend with an impressive Indian bowling attack.

India’s Fantastic Batsmen

India’s innings set the stage for the thrilling chase. Batting first, they scored 181 runs, bolstered by brilliant performances from Hardik Pandya and Shivam Dube, both of whom made important contributions of 53 and 34 runs respectively. Their late surge helped India push the total beyond 180, which proved to be a challenging target for England.

The Turning Point: Harshit Rana

A highlight of the match was Harshit Rana, who stepped in as a concussion substitute and delivered an impressive performance. He took 3 wickets for just 33 runs, creating immense pressure on the English batsmen. His ability to take key wickets, including that of Duckett and Buttler, changed the course of the match and left England scrambling for runs in the final overs.

The Final Overs

As the match drew closer to its end, England needed 25 runs from the last two overs. However, tight bowling from India kept them at bay, and they ultimately fell short, finishing at 166 all out. It was a nail-biting finish that showcased the excitement and unpredictability of T20 cricket.

Match Highlights

• India won the fourth T20 by 15 runs.
• Harshit Rana took 3 key wickets in his debut T20 match.
• England initially scored 62 runs without loss but crumbled to 166 all out.
• Hardik Pandya and Shivam Dube both scored 53 runs for India.
• Ben Duckett and Harry Brook were England’s leading scorers.

Looking Ahead

With the series now decided, all eyes will be on the final match. While it has no bearing on the series result, both teams will be eager to prove their mettle one last time. Will India try out new players, or will England come back strong to end the series on a high note? Cricket fans will certainly be glued to their seats, waiting to find out!