India vs England 4th T20I Highlights: India Clinch Series with a Thrilling Victory

Source : BCCI
India secured a thrilling 15-run victory over England in the fourth T20I at Pune, taking an unassailable 3-1 lead in the five-match series. The hosts showcased remarkable resilience, overcoming a shaky start to set a competitive total of 181/9 in 20 overs. Hardik Pandya and Shivam Dube played crucial knocks, both smashing half-centuries to pull India out of trouble. Despite an early collapse triggered by Saqib Mahmood’s stunning triple-wicket maiden, the middle order held firm to guide India to a fighting total.
England got off to a flying start in their chase, with Ben Duckett and Phil Salt putting up a brisk 62-run partnership in the powerplay. However, India’s spinners turned the tide in their favor, with Ravi Bishnoi, Axar Patel, and Varun Chakravarthy striking at crucial moments. Bishnoi dismissed Duckett off the last ball of the sixth over, and Salt followed suit in the very next over to Axar. England’s aggressive approach backfired as wickets tumbled in quick succession, shifting the momentum firmly towards India.
The match wasn’t without its share of controversy, as Harshit Rana was brought in as a concussion substitute for Shivam Dube. Rana made the most of his opportunity, picking up three crucial wickets for 33 runs, further denting England’s hopes. England skipper Jos Buttler, who fell to Bishnoi, failed to anchor the innings, leaving the lower order with too much to do. Despite some resistance from Harry Brook, the visitors ultimately fell short, handing India another dominant series win at home.
The fourth T20I highlighted India’s growing strength in recovering from challenging situations. After losing the third T20I, the hosts were determined to bounce back and delivered a disciplined bowling performance to stifle England’s batting. Pandya’s aggressive knock of 53 off 30 balls, along with Dube’s unbeaten 50 off 30, proved decisive in shaping the outcome of the match. Rinku Singh and Abhishek Sharma also contributed with a vital 45-run stand, helping India rebuild after the early damage caused by Mahmood.
With this win, India extended their unbeaten T20I series record at home, having not lost a series since February 2019. England, on the other hand, will be looking to salvage some pride in the final game. As the series finale approaches, both teams will be eager to fine-tune their preparations ahead of major tournaments. For now, India can take immense confidence from their spirited performance, reaffirming their dominance in the shortest format of the game.