3rd T20I: Buttler Highlights Rashid's Vital Role in Series-Saving Win
Click to start listening
Synopsis
Jos Buttler hailed Adil Rashid's pivotal role in England's 26-run victory over India in the third T20I. The win kept England's series hopes alive, with standout performances from both bowlers and batsmen.
Key Takeaways
- Jos Buttler praised team resilience and execution.
- Adil Rashid was highlighted as the most important player.
- England bowled effectively to defend a target of 172.
- Ben Duckett and Liam Livingstone set a solid batting foundation.
- Varun Chakravarthy achieved a career-best bowling figure.
Rajkot, Jan 28 (NationPress) The England captain, Jos Buttler, commended his team's resilience and execution after a crucial 26-run victory against India in the third T20I at the Niranjan Shah Stadium. This victory kept England's hopes alive in the series, with their bowlers demonstrating a disciplined effort to defend a target of 172 against a strong Indian batting lineup.
Buttler emphasized Adil Rashid's game-changing performance as a pivotal element in England's triumph. “Adil is the most important player in our team,” Buttler remarked post-match. “His variations and ability to adapt to different situations make him an asset. He showcased why he’s world-class today, bowling beautifully and controlling the game in critical moments.”
Rashid concluded with impressive figures of 1-15 in his four overs, providing a crucial breakthrough and putting pressure on India’s middle order. “We’re fortunate to have him in our team. His contribution is invaluable,” Buttler added.
The captain also praised Jofra Archer for his impactful bowling, despite conceding runs early on. “Jofra is a superstar. He’s incredibly consistent and has the ability to bounce back even when things don’t go his way. You know he’ll always deliver under pressure,” Buttler stated. Archer's 2-33 included the significant dismissal of Axar Patel during India's chase.
Choosing to bowl first, India had their opportunities but failed to stop England from reaching a challenging 171/9. Opener Ben Duckett set the pace with a rapid 51 off 28 balls, while Liam Livingstone contributed 43 off 24 to maintain momentum in the middle overs. However, England's middle and lower order struggled against Varun Chakravarthy, who achieved a career-best 5 for 24, dismantling their plans.
Reflecting on England’s batting performance, Buttler was full of praise for Duckett and Livingstone. “Ben Duckett is a tough guy to stop, especially on a pitch like this. His 51 off 28 set the tone for us, and Liam carried that momentum beautifully in the middle overs,” he articulated.
Livingstone’s 43 off 24 helped England secure a challenging 171/9, despite a collapse initiated by Chakravarthy’s sensational 5/24.
Buttler acknowledged the middle-order struggles but stressed the overall team effort. “The 127/8 doesn’t look great, but if someone told me we’d be disappointed with our performance and still score 170, I’d take that any day. The guys fought hard to get us to a competitive total,” he explained.
On the bowling front, Buttler credited the collective performance of Jamie Overton (3-24), Brydon Carse (2-28), and Rashid. “Those early wickets in the powerplay were crucial. The bowlers executed their plans perfectly and maintained pressure throughout,” he noted.
India’s chase for 172 started cautiously, with Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma opening the innings. England’s pacers, led by Archer and Mark Wood, bowled tight lines to restrict the scoring rate. Rashid, during the middle overs, created pressure on Indian batters with his match-altering spell.
England’s bowlers, particularly Rashid (1-15), Overton (3-24), Archer (2-33), and Carse (2-28), executed their strategies flawlessly, securing a vital victory to keep the series alive.
