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The third T20I match between India and England, played at the Nirajan Shah Stadium in Rajkot on Tuesday, ended in a 26-run victory for England. This win brought the five-match series to a 2-1 scoreline, keeping the competition alive and setting the stage for an exciting conclusion. Former Indian cricketer Irfan Pathan, a keen observer of the game, pinpointed a crucial factor contributing to India's defeat: the team's inability to effectively rotate the strike, particularly on a slightly slower wicket. This observation highlights a fundamental aspect of T20 cricket, where maintaining a consistent run flow is essential for building a substantial total or successfully chasing down a target. The match itself saw England set a target of 172 runs, a score that, while perhaps not overwhelmingly imposing, proved too challenging for the Indian batting lineup to overcome despite an initial promising start from Abhishek Sharma.
England's innings was marked by a significant contribution from opener Ben Duckett, who crafted a vital half-century. His partnership with Buttler laid a strong foundation for England at 83/2. However, the middle order struggled against the exceptional spin bowling of Varun Chakravarthy, who delivered a remarkable spell of 5-24, dismantling the England middle order. This left England teetering at 127/8. Liam Livingstone's valiant 43 off 24 balls, along with contributions from Adil Rashid and Mark Wood, helped England reach a respectable 171/9. While this total might have appeared slightly below par on a wicket that potentially favoured batting, the Indian team's performance suggests otherwise. The seemingly manageable target was ultimately beyond India’s reach due to strategic shortcomings.
India's chase began with promise but faltered under pressure. The top order’s struggle to establish themselves was a significant setback. None of India's top four batsmen managed to surpass 24 runs. Hardik Pandya showed some resilience, scoring 40 off 35 balls and forming a 38-run partnership with Axar Patel. However, Pandya's dismissal in the 19th over, caught by Buttler off Jamie Overton's bowling, left the tailenders with an insurmountable task. The subsequent collapse left India 26 runs short of their target, underscoring the significance of maintaining consistent momentum throughout the innings. The match showcased the importance of tactical planning and execution in T20 cricket, where even a seemingly achievable target can become unattainable due to strategic missteps or a failure to adapt to changing match conditions.
The series continues with the fourth T20I in Pune on Friday, January 31, 2025. The result of this match will be crucial in determining the overall winner of the series. India currently holds a 2-1 advantage, providing a buffer going into the next encounter. However, the close nature of the third T20I highlights the unpredictable nature of this highly competitive series and the need for both teams to maintain focus and adapt their strategies accordingly. The match in Rajkot served as a reminder of the subtle nuances and strategic decisions that can dramatically impact the outcome in a short-format game like T20. The inability of the Indian batsmen to rotate the strike effectively presented a clear weakness that England capitalized upon. This highlights the need for India to address this vulnerability if they are to secure the series victory.
Source: "In T20, Ability To...": Ex-India Star Draws Out Big Flaw After Defeat In 3rd T20I vs England