India's rising star, Abhishek Sharma, has achieved a career-high ranking in T20Is, making a meteoric leap of 38 places to claim the No. 2 spot in the ICC T20I batting rankings. The explosive southpaw’s sensational performances with the bat have propelled him ahead of some of the biggest names in the format. In a fascinating shift, he overtook his fellow teammate Tilak Varma, who dropped one spot to No. 3, as India’s young guns continue to dominate the rankings. With their fearless and dynamic approach, the duo is shaping the future of Indian T20 cricket on the global stage.

Abhishek Sharma lit up the series with a stunning display of power-hitting, scoring 279 runs in 5 matches at an average of 55.80 and a blistering strike rate of 219.68. His standout moment came with a record-breaking 135, the highest T20I score by an Indian, as he smashed 24 fours and 22 sixes. With 1 century and 1 fifty, Abhishek’s fearless batting tore apart England’s attack, making him the star of the series.

In-depth Analysis of Abhishek Sharma's Outstanding T20I Series

Abhishek Sharma etched his name in the history books with a breathtaking knock, registering India’s highest individual score in T20 internationals. His 135 off 54 balls surpassed Shubman Gill’s previous record of 126 against New Zealand in 2023, setting a new benchmark for Indian batters in the format. His innings was not just a national milestone but also a global spectacle. It became the sixth-highest individual score in T20Is involving Test-playing nations, placing him among an elite list of power-hitters who have dominated international bowling attacks.

Abhishek’s fifty came off just 17 balls, making it the second-fastest half-century by an Indian in T20Is, only behind Yuvraj Singh’s iconic 12-ball fifty against England in the 2007 T20 World Cup. His century followed in just 37 deliveries, making it the third-fastest in T20Is between Test-playing nations, trailing only Rohit Sharma and David Miller, who hold the joint record with 35-ball hundreds. Adding to his sensational display, Abhishek launched 13 sixes into the stands—the most ever hit by an Indian batter in a T20I innings. His fearless strokeplay and record-breaking performance cemented his place as one of India’s most exciting young talents, leaving fans and statisticians in awe of his explosive batting prowess.

Abhishek Sharma’s explosive batting in the series saw him smash 22 sixes in total, showcasing his incredible range and fearless strokeplay. While he cleared the ropes all around the ground, his favorite scoring zone was the covers region, where he deposited the majority of his maximums. Here’s a breakdown of his six-hitting areas: Covers region – Most of his sixes came from this area, highlighting his dominance through the off-side. Long-on – 4 sixes, proving his ability to target spinners and pacers with strong straight hitting. Long-off – 3 sixes, demonstrating balance and timing against both pace and spin.

Straight down the ground – 3 sixes, reinforcing his power in hitting over the bowler’s head. Fine leg – 2 sixes, capitalizing on short deliveries and well-timed flicks. Midwicket – 1 six, showing his adaptability in playing across the line. Third man – 1 six, an unconventional yet effective shot. Point – 1 six, showcasing his ability to carve the ball over the infield. His six-hitting spree not only powered India to key victories but also established him as one of the most dangerous batters in T20 cricket today.

Abhishek Sharma’s six-hitting ability in this series was nothing short of extraordinary, underlining his potential as a future T20 superstar. His ability to find the boundary in all areas of the ground made him a nightmare for bowlers, as he effortlessly combined power with precision. The sheer number of sixes at covers reflects his dominant off-side play, while his shots down the ground and towards fine leg highlight his all-round stroke-making prowess.

His confidence in taking on spinners and pacers alike, along with his ability to execute aggressive strokes without compromising technique, sets him apart from his contemporaries. With this record-breaking performance, Abhishek has not only announced himself on the global stage but has also given India a dependable and fearless hitter at the top. If he continues in this vein, he could redefine aggressive T20 batting for India in the years to come.

Fearless India secured the home T20I series before the last game of the T20I series, as they beat England in the Pune T20I on Friday night and have taken a 3-1 lead in the five-match series.

After England captain Jos Buttler chose to field first at Pune, India scored 181/9 in 20 overs. In reply, England were all out for 166 runs in 19.4 overs, as India won the match by 15 runs.

Saqib Mahmood brought early blows

England got a great start as Saqib Mahmood was playing his first game and took three wickets in his first over as India were down to 12/3. After scoring 12 runs in the first over of Jofra Archer, Sanju Samson (1) and Tilak Varma (0) were dismissed in the first two deliveries of the second over of the innings, and skipper Suryakumar Yadav (0) lost his wicket on the last ball of the over as Mahmood finished the over with a maiden and three wickets. 

In the tough moment, opener Abhishek Sharma and middle-order batter Rinku Singh handled the situation strongly. However, both lost their wickets at crucial moments, as Sharma scored 29 and Singh scored 30 runs. 

While India were struggling at 79/5, Shivam Dube made a great comeback in the T20I side and Hardik Pandya set up a strong partnership. They had an 87-run partnership for the sixth wicket, the largest ever T20I partnership for the fifth or lower wickets against England. 

See Also: Shivam Dube and Hardik Pandya set a record-breaking T20I partnership against England

Hardik and Dube scored 50s

After a cautious start, Hardik completed his fifty in 27 balls. The right-handed batter scored 53 off 30 balls with the help of four fours and four sixes before Jamie Overton dismissed him. Meanwhile, Dube took 31 balls to complete his half-century. Before he was run out on the final ball of the innings, the left-handed batter scored 53 off 35 balls with the help of seven fours and two sixes. While Dube got a hit on his helmet in the final over of the innings, India used a concussion substitute as Harshit Rana replaced the all-rounder, which has triggered a new controversy. It was Rana's T20I debut, which happened in a dramatic way.

Among the English bowlers, Saqib Mahmood took three wickets (3/35) and Jamie Overton bagged two wickets (2/32).

England were 62/1

In chasing, England got a great start as Phil Salt and Ben Duckett dominated the Indian bowlers. Indian bowlers seemed clueless to restrict Duckett, but on the final ball of the powerplay, Ravi Bishnoi dismissed the left-handed batter for 39 off 19 balls (seven fours and one six), as England scored 62/1. 

Opener Salt (23) and captain Jos Buttler (2) were dismissed quickly as Axar Patel and Bishnoi took the wickets, respectively, and the visitors were battling at 67/3.

Harry Brook's 50 went in vain

England were losing the wickets at regular intervals, while Harry Brook finally found his form despite not getting enough support from the other end. 

Firing Brook (51 off 26 balls; five fours and two sixes) completed his half-century in 25 balls but he threw his wicket on the next ball as Varun Chakravarthy once again won the battle against him.

In the last moment, Jamie Overton battled hard with his big shots. But his questionable no single theory, which was instructed by Adil Rashid, ended England’s last hope. 

Among the Indian bowlers, Ravi Bishnoi (3/28) and concussion-sub Harshit Rana (3/33) bagged three wickets each, and Varun Chakravarthy (2/28) got two wickets. 

While Mumbai will host the last game of the T20I series on Sunday (February 2), India have already secured the T20I series with a lead of 3-1.

Hosts India and the visitors England are once again ready for another exciting T20I match, which Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium (Pune) is set to host Friday (January 31) evening. It is the fourth game of the five-match T20I series, where India are leading it by 2-1. 

India won first two T20Is

Hosts India started the series with a strong seven-wicket win at Eden Gardens in Kolkata. After the Indian bowlers dominated to restrict the visitors to 132 all out in 20 overs, the hosts comfortably chased the target in 12.5 overs after losing three wickets. Opener Abhishek Sharma scored firing 79 off 34 balls to guide the home side to a memorable win.

Chennai hosted the second T20I, where the disciplined Indian bowlers restricted the visitors to 165/9 in 20 overs. Tilak Varma (72 not out off 55 balls) played the most important role and calmly finished the game despite huge pressure as India chased the target in 19.2 overs after losing eight wickets.  

See Also: India vs England 2025 Test Series: Unprecedented Demand as Tickets Sell Out Early

England won Rajkot T20I

Rajkot hosted the third game of the series, where both teams’ bowlers were excellent. After England managed to score 171/9 in 20 overs, they restricted the hosts to 145/9 to secure their first win this tour.

Talking about the squads, Rinku Singh is set to return to the Indian squad, while Jacob Bethell can return to the English squad.

Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium (Pune) is set to host its fifth T20I match, where the first two games ended with successful chasings and the next two experienced comfortable defending results. India have recorded two wins and two losses in this T20I venue, while England lost their only T20I at this venue, which was the T20I debut of this venue and India won by five wickets after successfully chasing the 158-run target. 

India vs England 4th T20I: Probable XIs

India predicted XI: Sanju Samson (wk), Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Suryakumar Yadav (Captain), Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Rinku Singh, Mohammed Shami, Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakravarthy, Ravi Bishnoi

England predicted XI: Ben Duckett, Phil Salt (wk), Jos Buttler (Captain), Harry Brook, Liam Livingstone, Jacob Bethell, Jamie Overton, Brydon Carse, Jofra Archer, Adil Rashid, Mark Wood. 

India vs England 4th T20I: Dream11 Top Captains and Vice-Captains

Top 3 Captain's choices: Tilak Varma, Abhishek Sharma, Jos Buttler

Top 3 Vice-Captain's choices: Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakravarthy, Brydon Carse

4th T20I of India vs England Predicted XI & Match details

The 4 T20I between India and England is a must win for both trying to get out of the series. India might opt for the strongest XI in the 4th T20I beginning with Suryakumar Yadav as Rinku Singh has fully fit and returns for the 4th T20I against England, strengthening India's middle order by his explosive finishing. He would add a crucial depth and power to the batting line up in this match.

Match Details:

• Match: IND VS ENG,4th,T20I
• Date: January 31, 7:00 PM (IST)
• Venue:Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium, Pune
• Live streaming:Star Sports Network, DD Sports & Disney+HotStar

Predicted playing IX:

1. Sanju Samson (WK): Provides stability at the top and adds flexibility in the batting order.
2. Abhishek Sharma: A young left-hander with aggressive stroke play, capable of providing quick starts.
3. Tilak Varma: A dependable middle-order batter with the ability to accelerate when needed.
4. Suryakumar Yadav (C): The skipper and India’s most experienced T20 batter, known for his 360-degree shots.
5. Hardik Pandya: The pace-bowling all-rounder adds power with the bat and provides crucial overs.
6. Rinku Singh: Back to full fitness, he is India’s designated finisher with exceptional hitting ability in the death overs.
7. Washington Sundar: A spin-bowling all-rounder, effective in both batting and bowling departments.
8. Axar Patel: A key player in the lower order, offering control with the ball and handy contributions with the bat.
9. Arshdeep Singh: India’s lead left-arm pacer, effective with both the new and old ball.
10. Mohammed Shami:  pacer brings experience and pace to the bowling attack.
11. Varun Chakravarthy: The mystery spinner can trouble England’s batters with his variations.

India's Probable XI: Sanju Samson (wk), Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Suryakumar Yadav (c), Hardik Pandya, Rinku Singh, Washington Sundar, Axar Patel, Arshdeep Singh, Mohammed Shami, Varun Chakravarthy

Key Updates:

• Rinku Singh is fit and comes back into the playing XI.
• The experience from Mohammed Shami will also bolster the pace attack.
• Varun Chakravarthy's mystery spin will be of huge importance in Ranchi conditions
• Balanced team with both old players and new blood.

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Former Indian cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin slammed “Bazball” style cricket after England’s batting line-up struggled in the third straight T20I, which was played at Rajkot.

Hosts India and the visitors England are battling in the five-match T20I series, which is also the beginning of the new era of England white-ball cricket under the head coach Brendon McCullum. McCullum has already shown his coaching skills for England's Test side, as the aggressive batting strategy is now known as “Bazball," which has hits and flops. 

In Test cricket, the “Bazball” strategy earned some good memories as the over-aggressive batting style has been called “braveness.”. However, it has also earned many negative criticisms.

IND vs ENG T20I series 2025: England batters failed to impress

In the five-match T20I series, hosts India comfortably won the series opener at Kolkata by seven wickets and thrillingly clinched another two-wicket win in the second game at Chennai. In both those T20Is, English batting failed massively. Poor shot selections were the major reasons for England’s defeat in both those T20Is. 

Rajkot T20I also experienced a similar story. While England were batting at 83/1 at one stage on a comfortable batting pitch, they later found themselves at 127/8. Opener Ben Duckett provided a positive start with his 51 off 28 balls, but the visitors still struggled in the first innings. Liam Livingstone’s late smashing 43 off 24 balls (one four and five sixes) somehow helped England to score 171/9 in 20 overs.

Due to the disciplined bowling from the English bowlers, they restricted the hosts to 145/9 as the visitors finally tasted a win in the away T20I series. However, their unpopular batting strategy still can’t be overlooked. 

See Also: Varun Chakravarthy creates world record after Rajkot T20I success

Ravichandran Ashwin called English batting reckless cricket 

Legendary Indian off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin, who retired from international cricket last December, called the present English batting strategy reckless cricket. He surely doesn’t feel confident with this batting performance from the English side. 

There is a very fine line between playing aggressive brand of cricket and reckless cricket. #INDvENG

— Ashwin 🇮🇳 (@ashwinravi99) January 28, 2025

England beat India by 26 runs in the Rajkot T20I to make a comeback in the five-match T20I series, as the visitors are trailing by 2-1 in the series with two more to be played. With this win, the series is now 2-1 in favour of the hosts India with two matches yet to be played.

Leading the series by 2-0, Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav chose to field first after winning the toss for the third straight time in this series. While England scored 171/9 in 20 overs, India only managed to score 145/9 in 20 overs. 

See Also: Mohammed Shami returns to international cricket after 14 months

Varun Chakravarthy recorded a fifer, Ben Duckett and Liam Livingstone had important contributions

Indian spinner Varun Chakravarthy took five wickets (5/24), as England faced a sudden collapse from 83/1 to 127/8. While the opener Ben Duckett scored 51 off 28 balls, and the in-form skipper Jos Buttler scored 24 runs, Liam Livingstone scored the crucial 43 off 24 balls with one four and five sixes. 

No strong reply from Indian batters against disciplined English bowlers

England bowlers completely dominated in the second innings, while Adil Rashid once again amazed with his mastery (4-0-15-1), including picking up the wicket of in-form Tilak Verman (18). Only Hardik Pandya (40) and Abhishek Sharma (24) scored 20+ runs in that innings, while Jamie Overton (3/24), Brydon Carse (2/28), and Jofra Archer (2/33) claimed more than one wicket.

Here are some Twitter reactions to the Rajkot T20I

Absolute seed🔥🔥.
Scrambled seam and serious side spin.
Top bowling Adil Rashid🤝🤝#INDvsENG pic.twitter.com/9omCsdmaxU

— Ashwin 🇮🇳 (@ashwinravi99) January 28, 2025

Back to back wickets !! Indian fans right now 😒😒#INDvsENG #INDvENG Varun Harry Brook PHIL Salt Ben Duckett Bishnoi Sanju Samson
Archer Suryakumar Yadav....✌️👍 pic.twitter.com/sBI82dgSjW

— ✿Sᴀᴍʀɪᴅᴅʜɪ (@Samriddhi2025) January 28, 2025

MI fans watching captain Hardik pandya and SKY's batting in every match

#INDvsENG #INDvENG pic.twitter.com/XfC5Jgn7r4

— KohliForever (@KohliForever0) January 28, 2025

Blockbuster Varun continues to deliver! 🍿

How many wickets will he finish the #IndvsENG T20I series with?

10 - 12
12 - 15
15 - 20
#AmiIndia | Varun Chakaravarthy pic.twitter.com/oFO97Nyk3N

— KolkataKnightRiders (@KKRiders) January 28, 2025

Livingstone cooked with 5 sixes and won the game for his team. 🔥🔥✊pic.twitter.com/2UbEpXr6H9

— Rahul Singh (@rahulsinggghhh) January 28, 2025

SIR LIAM LIVINGSTONE SHOW pic.twitter.com/xUAW1CcO38

— 😎🙇🙇 (@Kohliuniverse1) January 28, 2025

#INDvENG #INDvsENG

When no one is discussing about your contribution, whether it’s a win or loss🥹.

Gambhir saab, time to bring PR team to the rescue🤪 pic.twitter.com/1lSPlU3a9c

— Mastikhor 🤪 (@ventingout247) January 28, 2025

Another day of realising that not everyone is Virat Kohli.#ViratKohli𓃵 pic.twitter.com/Bk89oUmzNT

— one8.xe🇮🇳 (@one8xe) January 28, 2025

Surya kumar yadav #INDvsENG pic.twitter.com/f9EzCamD9e

— ᴊᴀʟꜱᴀ ᴋᴏʜʟɪ (@jalsakohli) January 28, 2025

Varun Chakravarthy in today's match v/s England be like 💥💥#INDvsENG #INDVENG
Ben Duckett Phil Salt Harry Brook pic.twitter.com/IZEel7xdsI

— Homskyra (@homskyra) January 28, 2025

RCB fans watching Phil Salt's batting in every match ...💔

#INDvsENG
pic.twitter.com/T7MauUB7x7

— Braj shyam maurya (@brijshyam07) January 28, 2025

Visitors England made a comeback in the T20I series against the hosts India after clinching a handsome 26-run win in the Rajkot T20I on Tuesday (January 28). 

Leading the T20I series by 2-0, the Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav won the toss once again and chose to field in the third of the five-match T20I series at Rajkot. It was the much-awaited comeback match for the Indian fast bowler Mohammed Shami, who missed out on international cricket for more than 14 months. While England scored 171/9 in 20 overs, India replied with 145/9 in 20 overs. 

England innings: Ben Duckett powered before Varun Chakravarthy's magic

Although the opener Phil Salt once again lost his wicket early at five runs, his opening partner Ben Duckett set up a strong start with the in-form skipper Jos Buttler. Duckett was dominating the Indian bowlers from the powerplay and set up England’s first 50-run partnership in this T20I series as he had a 76-run partnership for the second wicket with Buttler. 

Once England were batting at 83/1, but the Indian skipper Suryakumar Yadav handled the spinners really well as the English batting line-up once again faced deep trouble. From 83/1, England were suddenly down to 127/8. 

While the skipper Buttler scored 24 off 22 balls, the opener Duckett scored 51 off 28 balls with seven fours and two sixes. 

Leg-spinner Varun Chakravarthy claimed a fifer as he had bowling figures of 4-0-24-5. Meanwhile, Hardik Pandya picked up two wickets (2/33), while Axar Patel (1/19) and Ravi Bishnoi (1/46) got one wicket each. 

See Also: Jasprit Bumrah Honored as ICC Men’s Cricketer of the Year 2024

Liam Livingstone added vital runs

While the other English middle and lower-order batters struggled, Liam Livingstone added some vital runs of 43 off 24 balls with the help of one four and five sixes. Also, Adil Rashid (10*) and Mark Wood’s (10*) additions proved crucial for the visitors.

Indian innings: No strong batting performance; England bowlers were disciplined powered by Adil Rashid

In reply, England were taking wickets at regular intervals, while the English skipper Jos Buttler handled the bowlers really well. Opener Abhishek Sharma got a strong start but was caught out for 24 off 14 balls as Jofra Archer took a great catch. Captain Suryakumar Yadav (14) is far away from his form, while Tilak Varma was finally dismissed by brilliant Adil Rashid for 18 runs.

Apart from Abhishek, only Hardik Pandya scored 20+ runs in that innings, but he didn’t get any support who could help him by at least rotating the strike. Pandya scored 40 off 35 balls with one four and two sixes but it was far from enough.

Adil Rashid was exceptional once again with the bowling figures of 4-0-15-1, while Jamie Overton took three wickets (3/24). Also, Brydon Carse (2/28) and Jofra Archer (2/33) picked up two wickets and Mark Wood got a wicket (1/29).

With the 26-run win, England are trailing the five-match T20I series by 2-1 with two to go. 

Hosts India and the visitors England are ready for the third T20I of the five-match T20I series at Niranjan Shah Stadium (Rajkot). Here, we are going through the Dream11 Top Captains and Vice-captains. 

India are leading the series by 2-0

Hosts India are leading this series by 2-0. India won the series opener at Eden Gardens (Kolkata) by seven wickets after successfully chasing the 133-run target in 12.5 overs after losing only three wickets. Chepauk (Chennai) hosted the second T20I of the series, where the hosts won by two wickets after successfully chasing the 166-run target in 19.4 overs, thanks to Tilak Varma’s unforgettable batting performance. 

It will be the first T20I between India and England at Niranjan Shah Stadium (Rajkot) as England haven’t played a T20I at this venue. India have played five T20Is at this venue, and they won four times and lost once. 

Niranjan Shah Stadium (Rajkot) has a record of three successful defending and two chasing results. While this venue experienced a successful chasing of 202 runs by India against Sri Lanka in 2013, thanks to Yuvraj Singh’s 77 not out off 35 balls, it also experienced Suryakumar Yadav’s 112 not out off 51 balls against Sri Lanka in 2013, where India won by 91 runs after scoring 228/5.

India vs England 3rd T20I: Probable XIs

India predicted XI: Sanju Samson, Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Suryakumar Yadav (Captain), Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Ramandeep Singh/Shivam Dube, Arshdeep Singh, Harshit Rana, Varun Chakravarthy, Ravi Bishnoi

England predicted XI: Ben Duckett, Phil Salt (wk), Jos Buttler (Captain), Harry Brook, Liam Livingstone, Jamie Smith, Jamie Overton, Brydon Carse, Jofra Archer, Adil Rashid, Mark Wood. 

India vs England 3rd T20I: Dream11 Top Captains and Vice-Captains

Top 3 Captain's choices: Tilak Varma, Abhishek Sharma, Jos Buttler

Top 3 Vice-Captain's choices: Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakravarthy, Brydon Carse

The visitors England have announced their playing XI for the third game of the five-match away T20I series against the hosts India, which they are trailing by 2-0. Rajkot will host this T20I on Tuesday (January 28) evening.

England lost both their first two T20Is of the ongoing away series, and the batters were the main reasons. In both the T20Is, captain Jos Buttler provided controlled starts despite the openers' failures, but the visitors failed to produce strong T20I totals.

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England were thrashed in Kolkata T20I

Kolkata hosted the T20I series opener, where England scored only 132 runs despite the skipper Buttler’s 68 runs. Indian opener Abhishek Sharma thrashed the English bowlers and scored 79 off 34 balls with five fours and eight sixes, and India chased down the target in 12.5 overs as England suffered their largest T20I defeat by balls remaining in the second innings (43 balls).

Tilak Varma's excellence forced England to suffer Chennai defeat

Chennai hosted the second T20I, where England produced some great fights and were very close to clinching a victory. Once again, Buttler set a good start with his 45 runs, while the top and middle-order batters again failed to impress. Debutant Jamie Smith (22) shined during his short stay, while Brydon Carse (31) played a handy knock before a mix-up led to his run out. 

After England scored 165/9 in 20 overs, the visiting bowlers were picking up wickets at regular intervals as the hosts were never breathing comfortably in the chase. Carse not only shined with the bat but also had a huge role with the ball in hand as he picked up three wickets and ended with the bowling figures of 4-0-29-3. While Adil Rashid continued his key performance with the ball (4-0-14-1), Jofra Archer had an off day (4-0-60-1). Indian cricketer Tilak Varma calmly handled every tough situation in the chasing and guided the hosts to a thrilling two-wicket victory in the final over (19.2 overs) with his 72 not out off 55 balls (four fours and five sixes).

England will play first T20I at Rajkot

Niranjan Shah Stadium, formerly known as Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium, in Rajkot, will host the third T20I of the series. All the remaining matches of the series are must-win games for England, as the visitors can’t afford another defeat in the series. It will be England’s first T20I at this venue, while India have recorded four victories out of five T20Is at this venue (lost once against New Zealand). 

England head coach Brendon McCullum announced the English playing XI for the Rajkot T20I, and there is no change. 

England's playing XI for the Rajkot T20I

Ben Duckett, Phil Salt (wk), Jos Buttler (Captain), Harry Brook, Liam Livingstone, Jamie Smith, Jamie Overton, Brydon Carse, Jofra Archer, Adil Rashid, Mark Wood.

Hosts India have taken a 2-0 lead in the five-match T20I series against England after the Chennai T20I produced a thrilling finish, where Tilak Varma’s one-man show snatched a memorable win.

After the Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav chose to field first in the second T20I of the series at Chennai, England scored 165/9 in 20 overs. India chased down the target in 19.2 overs after losing eight wickets. 

Indian bowlers shined again; England batters disappointed

Once again the English openers fell cheaply. While Phil Salt lost his wicket in the first over to Arshdeep Singh after scoring four runs, his opening partner Ben Duckett (3) was dismissed by Washington Sundar on his first ball of the match.

Captain Jos Buttler once again produced a powerful start as England scored 58/2 at the end of the powerplay. Harry Brook (13) and Liam Livingstone (13) again failed while the T20I debutant Jamie Smith impressed in his short period of batting.

Buttler was dismissed in the 10th over, while Axar Patel took his wicket, who scored 45 off 30 balls with two fours and three sixes. 

Debutant Smith hit one four and two sixes and scored 22 off 12 balls before Abhishek Sharma got his wicket.

While England were struggling at 104/6, Brydon Carse batted incredibly to set a challenging total for the visitors. The second-highest scorer in the innings, Carse scored 31 off 17 balls with the help of one four and three sixes before a huge mix-up ran him out. Jofra Archer (12*), Adil Rashid (10), and Mark Wood (5*) had some useful contributions in the lower order. 

India used seven bowlers, where only Ravi Bishnoi didn’t pick a wicket but was very economical (4-0-27-0). Meanwhile, Axar Patel (2/32) and Varun Chakravarthy (2/38) took two wickets each. 

Also Watch: "You don’t need the smog": Shastri and Gavaskar tease Brook after his dismissal

Tilak Varma almost single-handedly chased the target

In chasing, incredible Tilak Varma almost single-handedly guided the hosts to a thrilling victory. While India were losing wickets at regular intervals, Varma held the crease strongly and was eyeing finishing the game. 

As the hosts were losing the wickets regularly, they were battling at 78/5 when Hardik Pandya was caught behind the wicket. After that wicket, Varma had a crucial 38-run partnership for the sixth wicket.

Washington Sundar had some luck as he got a life after Adil Rashid dropped him at mid-on, and the left-handed batter soon used a free hit properly to bag a sixer. Before Brydon Carse bowled Sundar, he scored a valuable 26 off 19 balls with three fours and one six. 

The pressure was always on Varma, who completed his half-century in 39 balls, but he was batting calmly despite the falling of the wickets at the other end. 

When the ninth batter Ravi Bishnoi joined, India were 20 runs away from the win, and Arshdeep lost his wicket after a 20-run partnership with Varma. Bishnoi hit two useful boundaries, which brought down the pressure from Varma, and the 22-year-old left-handed batter Varma ended the game marvelously with a boundary. The Player of the Match Varma scored 72 not out off 55 balls, which will remain memorable for years. 

While all six English bowlers picked up at least one wicket, Brydon Carse was exceptional as he had the bowling figures of 4-0-29-3. On the other hand, Jofra Archer managed his worst T20I bowling figures with 4-0-60-1.