India clinch T20I series against England with 15-run victory

India sealed the T20I series against England with a 15-run win in the fourth match at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Pune on 31 January 2025, securing an unassailable 3-1 lead in the five-match series.

England opted to field first after winning the toss, a decision that initially appeared justified as India suffered a disastrous start. Saqib Mahmood, making his return to the squad, produced a remarkable spell, taking three wickets with his first three deliveries of the series.

Sanju Samson, Tilak Varma, and Suryakumar Yadav all fell without making an impact, leaving India struggling at 12-3 within the second over.

With the top order dismantled, Hardik Pandya and Shivam Dube led India's recovery, forging a crucial sixth-wicket stand of 87 runs off just 45 balls. Pandya played a blistering knock of 53 from 30 balls, striking eight fours and two sixes to reach his half-century.

Dube matched his contribution with 53 from 31 balls, ensuring India reached a competitive total of 181-9. Contributions from Rinku Singh and Abhishek Sharma also proved valuable in steadying the innings after the initial collapse.

England made a promising start in their chase, with Ben Duckett and Phil Salt putting on 62 runs in the powerplay.

Duckett was particularly aggressive, smashing five fours and two sixes on his way to 39 from 19 balls. However, the introduction of India's spinners turned the game on its head.

Ravi Bishnoi provided the breakthrough by dismissing Duckett, which triggered a shift in momentum. Axar Patel soon followed up by removing Salt for 23, before Bishnoi struck again to send England captain Jos Buttler back for just 2 runs. From a strong position at 62-0, England suddenly found themselves in trouble at 67-3.

Harry Brook kept England's hopes alive with a rapid 51 off 26 balls, but his dismissal to Varun Chakravarthy left the visitors reeling at 137-7. The pressure mounted further with a controversial moment in the match, as Harshit Rana came on as a concussion substitute for Dube, who had been struck on the head earlier.

Rana made an immediate impact, taking three wickets, including the key scalp of Jamie Overton. His inclusion sparked debate over the fairness of the substitution, but his contribution proved decisive.

Despite some late resistance from Adil Rashid, England were bowled out for 166 with just one ball remaining. Arshdeep Singh claimed the final wicket to secure India's victory.

This victory extends India's unbeaten streak at home in T20I series to 17, further strengthening their dominance as they prepare for upcoming tournaments.