Sat Jan 25 15:30:04 UTC 2025: ## India Chases 166 in Chennai T20 Against England; Abhishek Sharma Provides Early Fireworks
**Chennai, India:** India is chasing a 166-run target in the second T20I against England at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. After winning the toss and opting to bowl, India restricted England to 165/9 in their 20 overs. Jos Buttler top-scored for England with 45 runs, while Brandon Carlos contributed 31. Varun Chakravarthy and Axar Patel were the pick of the Indian bowlers, each taking two wickets.
India’s chase got off to a blazing start with Abhishek Sharma smashing three boundaries in the first over bowled by Jofra Archer. However, the explosive start was short lived as Sharma was soon dismissed by Mark Wood.
England’s innings saw a shaky start, losing early wickets. Arshdeep Singh took the key wicket of Phil Salt in the first over. Washington Sundar then removed Ben Duckett, and Varun Chakravarthy dismissed Harry Brook in his opening over. Axar Patel was instrumental in breaking crucial partnerships, dismissing Liam Livingstone and Jos Buttler. A run-out of Brandon Carlos further hampered England’s progress.
Despite a late flurry of runs, England struggled to accelerate, ultimately falling short of a more challenging total. The Indian bowling attack displayed impressive control, particularly against England’s spin bowlers.
India’s playing XI saw changes with Washington Sundar and Dhruv Jurel replacing the injured Nitish Kumar Reddy and Rinku Singh, respectively. Mohammed Shami was again omitted from the team.
The match is currently underway, with India’s chase promising an exciting finish.
First Piper 