Synopsis
In the fourth T2OI, Hardik Pandya and Shivam Dube formed a crucial partnership, steering India to 181/9 in Pune after Saqib Mahmood made history with a triple wicket maiden. Despite a shaky start, their resilience helped India recover against England's disciplined bowling attack.Key Takeaways
- Hardik Pandya and Shivam Dube scored fifties.
- Saqib Mahmood recorded a historic triple-wicket maiden.
- India recovered from 12/3 to reach 181/9.
- Crucial partnerships were key to India's score.
- England’s bowlers applied pressure throughout the innings.
Pune, Jan 31 (NationPress) Hardik Pandya (53) and Shivam Dube (53) formed a vital counter-attacking partnership that lifted India to a respectable score of 181/9 in 20 overs after Saqib Mahmood (3 for 35) wreaked havoc against England during the fourth T2OI at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium.
The last 10 overs showcased a stunning turnaround, as the duo combined to launch a fierce assault on the English bowling attack before late dismissals quelled their momentum.
Jofra Archer initiated the action with an energetic first over, giving away a six and a four to Abhishek Sharma. Nevertheless, it was Saqib Mahmood who captured the headlines with a historic triple-wicket maiden, marking the first of its kind in men's T20 internationals.
Sanju Samson (1), Tilak Varma (0), and Suryakumar Yadav (0) quickly fell, leaving India in dire straits at 12/3 within two overs. Samson misjudged a rising delivery, sending it directly to deep square leg, Varma edged his first ball to Archer, and Suryakumar’s chip to short mid-on fell right into England’s trap.
Although Mahmood lacked the raw speed of Mark Wood, his skidding deliveries troubled the Indian top order. Despite the seemingly appropriate shot selections, the ball hurried onto them, leading to their dismissals. However, Rinku Singh remained composed, executing a perfectly timed pull shot for six, potentially the right counter to Mahmood's pace.
With the top order faltering, Abhishek Sharma held his ground, playing elegant ground strokes instead of his usual aggressive style. He struck back-to-back boundaries off Mahmood and Carse, keeping the scoreboard ticking along. Rinku Singh assisted him, countering Archer with a powerful cover drive and a six, helping India reach 47/3 by the end of the PowerPlay.
Captain Jos Buttler introduced Adil Rashid shortly after, and the experienced leg-spinner kept the Indian batters in check with his clever variations. Rashid’s effective googly posed problems for both Rinku Singh and Abhishek Sharma, who struggled to read him. Abhishek welcomed Rashid with a four but was eventually caught by Bethell after slog-sweeping a poorly timed delivery. He departed after a commendable 29 off 19 balls (4x4 1x6).
Meanwhile, Archer's speed continued to challenge the Indian middle order with targeted bouncers. Rashid maintained his grip over the Indian batters, utilizing the googly to outsmart left-handed Rinku and Dube.
After a drinks break, India resumed at 72/4 after 10 overs, struggling to escape England’s disciplined bowling. Rinku Singh attempted to attack Brydon Carse but fell for 30, top-edging a short ball to deep third, where Adil Rashid completed the catch.
With India at 98/5 in 13 overs, the responsibility fell on Hardik Pandya and Shivam Dube to stabilize the innings and aim for a strong finish.
As Rashid continued his spell, Dube took command, punishing him for a four and a six, pushing India over the 100-run mark. Hardik, at the other end, found his rhythm, smiting Carse for consecutive boundaries and then launching two massive sixes off Mahmood in the following over. The duo secured a fifty-run partnership, giving India’s innings the much-needed thrust.
With Overton re-entering the attack, Hardik wasted no time, capitalizing on a waist-high full toss with a shot over third man for four. Following a free hit, Pandya sent it flying for a six, achieving his half-century in spectacular fashion. However, Overton ultimately claimed his wicket, inducing a mistimed shot that was caught by Jos Buttler behind the stumps. Hardik departed for a well-crafted 53 off 30 balls, significantly energizing India’s innings.
Despite Hardik's departure, Dube continued his assault, reaching his fifty with back-to-back fours against Carse. India edged closer to the 190-run target, but Overton’s final over ensured England had the upper hand. Axar Patel fell early, and Arshdeep Singh sacrificed his wicket to get Dube back on strike, but Overton’s effective short-ball strategy limited India to just three runs in the last over, concluding their innings at 181 for 9 in 20 overs.
Brief scores:
India 181 for 9 in 20 overs (Hardik Pandya 53, Shivam Dube 53; Saqid Mahmood 3-35, Jamie Overton 2-32) against England.
