Chakravarthy Claims Five Wickets as England Sets 171 in Rajkot
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Synopsis
In a gripping encounter in Rajkot, Varun Chakravarthy's five-wicket haul dismantled England's batting lineup, limiting them to 171 runs. Despite commendable efforts from Ben Duckett and Liam Livingstone, England struggled against India's bowling attack. The stage is set for India to chase down the target and claim the series victory.
Key Takeaways
- Varun Chakravarthy's exceptional bowling performance with 5 wickets.
- England's total of 171 runs is considered below par.
- Liam Livingstone and Ben Duckett showed resilience with their batting.
- India's spin attack played a crucial role in restricting England.
- India needs 172 runs to win and secure the series.
Rajkot, Jan 28 (NationPress) England's batting order faced significant challenges against India's disciplined bowling, spearheaded by Varun Chakravarthy's remarkable five-wicket haul (5 for 24). Despite a valiant effort from Liam Livingstone, who scored 43 runs off 24 balls, alongside Ben Duckett's aggressive 51 runs from 28 deliveries, England could only manage a modest total of 171 for 9 in the third T20I at the Niranjan Shah Stadium on Tuesday.
The innings began with optimism as opener Phil Salt aimed to attack early, hitting Mohammed Shami for a boundary in the first over. However, Salt's approach proved costly as Hardik Pandya struck in the second over with a well-placed short ball. Salt mistimed his shot, resulting in a straightforward catch for Abhishek Sharma and he departed for just five runs.
Ben Duckett and captain Jos Buttler steadied the innings, with Duckett leading the charge against India's bowlers. He displayed an array of shots, including powerful reverse sweeps and graceful drives, particularly targeting Washington Sundar. By the end of the Power-play, England was comfortably placed at 52 for 1, with Duckett looking in outstanding form.
However, India's spinners turned the tide. Varun Chakravarthy made a pivotal breakthrough in the eighth over, sending Buttler back to the pavilion for 24 runs off 22 balls. Buttler attempted to accelerate but edged a delivery to Sanju Samson, and a successful review confirmed his exit.
Axar Patel further compounded England's difficulties, dismissing Duckett after the latter reached a fluent half-century. In an attempt to hit another big shot, Duckett holed out to Abhishek Sharma in the deep, leaving England at 88/3 after 10 overs. The middle overs saw England struggle as Chakravarthy and Patel tightened their grip on the game. Chakravarthy returned to take out Jamie Smith and Jamie Overton in quick succession, with both batters unable to handle his sharp googlies. Harry Brook also fell cheaply, dragging a delivery from Bishnoi onto his stumps for eight runs.
Liam Livingstone battled valiantly, countering the spinners with a barrage of sixes, which included three in one over off Bishnoi. However, the lack of support from the other end made his task monumental. Chakravarthy capped his stunning performance by dismissing Brydon Carse and Jofra Archer, securing a well-deserved five-wicket haul. Pandya returned to dismiss Livingstone in the 18th over, concluding the all-rounder’s determined innings. Livingstone’s exit at long-on dashed England’s hopes for a late flourish.
England's tail managed to carry the team to 171/9, but the score appeared below par on a pitch that offered grip and turn to the spinners. Alongside Chakravarthy's exceptional performance, Pandya (2-33), Bishnoi, and Patel contributed with vital wickets.
India will approach the chase with confidence, requiring 172 runs to secure the match and clinch the series with an unbeatable lead.
Brief scores:
England 171/9 in 20 overs (Ben Duckett 51, Liam Livingstone 43, Varun Chakravarthy 5-24, Hardik Pandya 2-33) against India.
