England fight back with 26-run victory in third T20I against India

England made a strong comeback in the T20 series against India with a dominant 26-run victory in the third match on Tuesday, thanks to disciplined bowling and a fiery 51 from Ben Duckett.

The win in Rajkot kept England's hopes alive in the five-match series, with India now leading 2-1.

Duckett's quickfire 28-ball innings laid the foundation for England’s total of 171-9, despite a mid-innings collapse triggered by Indian spinner Varun Chakravarthy, who delivered exceptional figures of 5-24.

England's Bowlers Star in Victory

England's bowlers, led by Jamie Overton, Adil Rashid, and Jofra Archer, dismantled India's batting line-up, restricting them to 145-9. Overton claimed three wickets, while Archer and Brydon Carse each took two.

Rashid was particularly economical, finishing with 1-15 from his four overs.

“The guys bowled really well and showcased their skills,” said England captain Jos Buttler. “It wasn’t just about pace, but how well they adapted to the wicket.” He also praised Rashid as the team’s “most important player.”

Pandya's Effort in Vain

India's Hardik Pandya laboured to 40 off 35 balls before falling to Overton when the required run rate exceeded 20 per over. Early breakthroughs from Archer and Carse set the tone, with Archer dismissing Sanju Samson and Carse removing Abhishek Sharma, thanks to a spectacular catch by Archer himself.

Mark Wood removed India’s captain Suryakumar Yadav, who top-edged a sharp bouncer into the gloves of wicketkeeper Phil Salt. Rashid and Overton then reduced India to 85-5, leaving Pandya with too much to do.

Duckett and Livingstone Power England’s Innings

Earlier, Duckett’s explosive start and a quick-fire 43 from Liam Livingstone propelled England after the team had slipped to 127-8 in 16 overs. Duckett, who struck seven fours and two sixes, partnered with Buttler for a 76-run stand before falling to Axar Patel.

Chakravarthy then tore through England’s batting, claiming his second five-wicket haul in T20 internationals, including the scalps of Buttler, Harry Brook, Jamie Smith, and Jamie Overton.

Livingstone's counterattack, which included three sixes off Ravi Bishnoi, provided crucial runs before he holed out to Pandya.

India's Shortcomings

India’s Yadav acknowledged the team’s shortcomings, stating, “We always learn from a T20 game. Conceding 170 from 127-8 was too much. Batting also has areas for improvement.”

Fast bowler Mohammed Shami, returning to the international stage after the 2023 ODI World Cup final, went wicketless in his three overs, conceding 25 runs.

The fourth T20 is scheduled for Friday in Pune, with England aiming to level the series.