India’s batting issues continued as England secured their first-ever T20I series victory over the visitors with a convincing seven-wicket win in the fourth match, taking an unassailable 3-0 lead in the five-match series.
Chasing 159, England reached the target in just 13.5 overs thanks to an unbeaten 144-run partnership between captain Harry Brook and Phil Salt at Bristol. Brook starred with a blistering 79 off 35 balls, while Salt remained unbeaten on 59 from 42 deliveries.
The victory marked England’s third consecutive win after the series opener was washed out, sealing the hosts’ maiden T20I series triumph over India.
Earlier, India struggled once again with the bat after opting to bat first. Captain Shreyas Iyer top-scored with an unbeaten 80 off 49 balls, but received little support as India posted a modest 158-7.
England’s bowlers capitalised on India’s fragile batting, with Jofra Archer claiming 2-20. Teenage opener Vaibhav Sooryavanshi was dismissed for 15, while Shivam Dube’s 22 was the only other notable contribution besides the skipper’s half-century.
Archer also produced a sharp run-out to dismiss Axar Patel and wrap up India’s innings.
The result extends India’s losing streak to five completed T20Is, adding to consecutive defeats against Ireland before the England tour and increasing pressure on captain Shreyas Iyer.
The final match of the series will be played in Southampton, where India will aim to avoid a winless series defeat despite entering the contest as the reigning back-to-back T20 world champions.
FAQs
Q1: Who won the England vs India T20I series?
A: England won the five-match T20I series after defeating India by seven wickets in the fourth match, taking an unassailable 3-0 lead with one game remaining.
Q2: How did England beat India in the fourth T20I?
A: England chased down India’s target of 159 in just 13.5 overs, powered by an unbeaten 144-run partnership between Harry Brook (79*) and Phil Salt (59*).
Q3: Why is India under pressure after the series defeat?
A: India has now lost five consecutive completed T20Is, including two defeats to Ireland before the England series, raising concerns over the team’s batting performance and increasing pressure on captain Shreyas Iyer.
Also read: India suffers embarrassing defeat against England in 3rd T20I
