England produced a dominant all-round display to inflict India’s heaviest-ever defeat in T20 Internationals by runs, securing a commanding 125-run victory in the third T20I at Trent Bridge on Tuesday. After posting 201/7, the hosts dismantled India’s batting line-up for just 76 in 11.4 overs, taking an unassailable 2-0 lead in the five-match series.
Phil Salt Anchors England To Competitive 201
Asked to bat first, England overcame a slow start thanks to opener Phil Salt, who top-scored with a composed 70 off 44 deliveries. Jos Buttler contributed a brisk 36 from 21 balls before Prince Yadav removed both Buttler and captain Harry Brook to briefly slow England’s progress.
Jacob Bethell and Tom Banton also departed in quick succession as India clawed their way back into the contest.
However, Sam Curran’s unbeaten 41 off just 24 balls ensured England finished strongly. Will Jacks added useful late runs as the hosts crossed the 200-run mark, giving their bowlers a formidable total to defend.
Prince Yadav was India’s standout bowler, returning impressive figures of 2/30 in only his second T20 International.
Archer, Tongue Tear Through India’s Batting
England’s pace attack made the target look far beyond reach from the outset.
Jofra Archer struck early with relentless pace, dismissing teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi for 13 with a sharp bouncer after the youngster had shown flashes of brilliance with two sixes.
Josh Tongue complemented Archer superbly, exploiting the bounce and movement on offer to rip through the middle and lower order. India collapsed to 52/5 inside the powerplay — the first time they have lost five wickets within the opening six overs of a men’s T20I.
Archer finished with 3/29, while Tongue produced career-best T20 figures of 4/28. Leg-spinner Adil Rashid claimed two wickets and Will Jacks chipped in with one as India were bundled out for just 76.
The total was India’s second-lowest all-out score in T20 Internationals, while the 125-run margin became their biggest defeat in the format.
England Close In On Series Victory
England’s comprehensive victory gives them a 2-0 advantage after the opening match of the series was washed out. With two matches remaining, the hosts now need just one more win to seal the series.
For India, the defeat raises fresh concerns over their ability to handle sustained high-quality pace bowling, with the batting line-up failing to recover after the early collapse.
England, meanwhile, will head into the fourth T20I in Bristol full of confidence after producing one of their most complete performances in recent years.
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