Hardik , Dube rescue act powers India to series clinching win in 4th T20I vs brainless England

 

India made a poor start but finished strongly, sealing the series with one match to spare. Suryakumar Yadav and his team defeated England by 15 runs in Pune, securing an unassailable lead. Hardik Pandya and Shivam Dube shone with the bat, while the spinners delivered a match-winning performance with the ball. The match also saw the T20 debut of Harshit Rana as a concussion substitute, and he made an immediate impact, taking three crucial wickets in his four-over spell. His performance justified the faith placed in him by coach Gautam Gambhir. Despite early setbacks, India, with the contributions of Kolkata Knight Riders’ (KKR) bowlers, managed to clinch the win. With this victory, the final match in Mumbai now becomes a mere formality.

First Toss Loss for Suryakumar in the Series

Suryakumar Yadav had won the toss in all three previous matches, opting to bowl first each time. However, in Pune, he lost the toss for the first time, and England’s captain, Jos Buttler, chose to field first, meaning India had to bat first for the first time in the series.

Saqib Mahmood’s Surprise Impact

England introduced Saqib Mahmood into the playing XI for the first time in the series. Unfamiliar with his bowling, the Indian batters struggled against him. Saqib struck early, dismissing Sanju Samson, who once again fell to a short-pitched delivery while attempting a big shot. In his very next delivery, he removed the in-form Tilak Varma, who was caught by Jofra Archer while attempting an aggressive stroke. The over ended on a high for England, as Suryakumar Yadav also fell without scoring. India were reeling at 12/3.

Abhishek and Rinku Stabilize Before Throwing Away Their Wickets

After the early collapse, Abhishek Sharma and Rinku Singh tried to steady the innings. Mixing aggressive strokeplay with smart running between the wickets, they guided India past the 50-run mark. However, just when they seemed set to take India to a big total, both batters played reckless shots and lost their wickets. Abhishek was dismissed for 29, while Rinku managed 30.

Shivam and Hardik’s Destructive Batting Rescue India

India were struggling at 79/5, and a sub-150 total looked likely. However, Shivam Dube and Hardik Pandya had other plans. They maintained a brisk scoring rate despite the early wickets, attacking both spinners and pacers alike. Hardik reached his fifty first, scoring 53 off 30 balls before getting dismissed. Shivam followed with a well-crafted 53 off 34 balls. Their partnership propelled India to a competitive 181/9 in 20 overs.

England Openers Start Aggressively

Chasing 182, England openers Phil Salt and Ben Duckett got off to a flying start. Salt, who had struggled in the previous three games, looked in fine touch, while Duckett continued his good form from the last match. They targeted Arshdeep Singh early, putting India under pressure as England raced past 60 runs inside the powerplay.

Spinners Bring India Back into the Game

India’s spinners turned the game around. Against the run of play, Ravi Bishnoi dismissed Duckett for 39 as he attempted a big shot. In the next over, Axar Patel clean-bowled Salt for 23. Bishnoi then delivered a massive blow by dismissing England captain Jos Buttler for just 2. In a dramatic collapse, England went from 62/0 to 67/3.

Harshit Rana Makes an Instant Impact as a Concussion Substitute

Harshit Rana was not in the original playing XI but got his chance after Shivam Dube suffered a helmet blow while batting. As a concussion substitute, he was allowed to bowl, and he made an immediate impact. In just his second delivery, he dismissed Liam Livingstone. Although his next over proved expensive, conceding 18 runs, Suryakumar Yadav continued to trust him. Harshit repaid the faith, removing Jacob Bethell in his next over and later dismissing Jamie Overton in the death overs. He finished with impressive figures of 3/33 in four overs.

Harry Brook’s Fighting Half-Century

After three poor outings in the series, Harry Brook finally found his form, leading England’s fightback. He played attacking cricket, particularly taking on Varun Chakravarthy and Harshit Rana, smashing 18 runs in a single over. Mixing big shots with quick singles, he completed his fifty in just 25 balls.

Varun Chakravarthy Strikes Back for India

Despite an expensive first spell, Varun Chakravarthy turned the match in India’s favor. After Brook reached his fifty, Varun dismissed him with a well-disguised delivery that took the edge to the keeper. In the same over, he also removed Brydon Carse, denting England’s hopes of a comeback.

India Seals the Win in the Death Overs

England’s lower-order batters fought hard but couldn’t take their team over the line. Arshdeep Singh and Harshit Rana bowled the final overs, keeping their composure under pressure. England were bowled out for 166 with two balls remaining, giving India a 15-run victory.

With the series already in the bag, the final match in Mumbai will now be a mere formality.