When India falls behind 0-1 in a series, opponents would be cautious going forward. India won a memorable series after coming back from a deficit for the third time in international cricket. The Asian giants completed a 3-2 comeback in a five-match series against the World No. 1 English side after losing the first T20I.
The series between the top two teams were set up for a thrilling conclusion in Ahmedabad on Saturday, and it was India who triumphed, beating England by 36 runs in the fifth T20I. Following their fourth-highest T20I total of 224, Bhuvneshwar Kumar bowled a series-winning spell of 2/15 in a game that saw over 400 runs scored.
India wanted their senior to step up, and Captain Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Bhuvneshwar embraced it, as India played England in all 3 departments in order to win another unforgettable series.
Highlights from India’s 5th T20I against England
With the win, India extended its unbeatable T20I series to 8 while England ending in its unbeatable 5-way race. India has also won their last six T20I series in a row, a streak that began with a home series victory over Bangladesh in November 2019.
India also extended their undefeated run in T20I cricket against England to 7 years, having last lost a series (a one-off match) in 2014.
Opening masterclass by Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli
India made a key change to their XI, dropping out-of-form KL Rahul in favor of T Natarajan, and went into the decider with 6 bowlers. At the toss, Virat Kohli revealed that he will open the innings with Rohit Sharma, marking the first time in T20I cricket that the duo has worked together at the top.
It was critical for India to get off to a good start after England won the toss and chose to bat. The captain and vice-captain delivered a masterclass in power-hitting as a result.
From the start, Rohit appeared to be in the mood to flex his muscles. After a six-off leg-spinner Adil Rashid to get things going, the senior opener went after England’s pacers. Rohit Sharma unleashed a barrage of blows on England’s finest bowler, Mark Wood, in the series.
Suryakumar Yadav announced to the world that he is the new Mr. 360 after hitting some eloquent shots against England pacers for his 17-ball 32. Hardik Pandya contributed an undefeated 17-ball 39, while Kohli completed the picture with an unbeaten 80 from 52 balls.
With Bhuvneshwar Kumar leading from the front, India produced a confident bowling display. England were reduced to 188 for 8 in 20 overs thanks to Shardul Thakur’s three wickets. England fell short of the target despite a 132-run partnership between Dawid Malan and Jos Buttler.
