Daijiworld Media network - Pune

Pune, Feb 1: India sealed the five-match T20I series 3-1 with a thrilling 15-run victory over England in the third encounter at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium. Skipper Suryakumar Yadav lauded his team’s fighting spirit and positive intent after a hard-fought win.

Put into bat, India suffered an early collapse, reeling at 12/3 after Saqib Mahmood’s sensational triple-wicket maiden. However, Hardik Pandya and Shivam Dube steadied the innings with a vital 88-run partnership, both scoring 53 runs each, propelling India to a competitive 181/9.

England started aggressively, with Phil Salt and Ben Duckett taking the attack to the Indian bowlers. At 62/0 in six overs, the visitors looked in command, but Ravi Bishnoi’s breakthrough dismissed Duckett, while Axar Patel removed Salt. England’s middle order struggled as Bishnoi struck again to send Jos Buttler back cheaply.

Harry Brook’s quickfire 51 off 26 balls kept England’s hopes alive, but Varun Chakravarthy’s double strike halted their momentum. Debutant Harshit Rana, who came in as a concussion substitute, played a crucial role, picking up 3/33, including the key wickets of Livingstone, Bethell, and Overton, ensuring India’s victory.

Suryakumar praised the team’s resilience, emphasizing the importance of backing their instincts. Looking ahead to the final T20I at Wankhede Stadium, he anticipated an exciting contest, promising "lots of fireworks."