Sat Jan 25 15:30:02 UTC 2025: ## India Set 166-Run Target After England’s Stumble in Second T20I
**Chennai, India** – England set India a challenging but potentially chaseable 166-run target in the second T20I at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. Despite a fluent 45 from captain Jos Buttler, England’s innings faltered due to disciplined bowling from India, finishing on 165/9.
India’s bowlers dominated proceedings. Axar Patel and Varun Chakravarthy each claimed two wickets, while Ravi Bishnoi also picked up a crucial brace. England’s top order crumbled early, with Phil Salt (4), Ben Duckett (3), and Harry Brook (13) all falling cheaply. While Jamie Smith (22) and Brydon Carse (31) offered brief resistance, the middle order failed to capitalize. A late flourish from Jofra Archer (12*) and Mark Wood (5*) couldn’t significantly boost the total.
The early stages of India’s innings saw Abhishek Sharma display aggressive intent, scoring 12 runs off 5 balls before being bowled by a 92mph nip-backer from Jofra Archer. At the end of the first over, India were 13/0, needing 153 runs off 114 balls.
Experts commented on the potentially under-par total for England, considering the favorable batting conditions and the potential impact of dew later in the match. However, England’s bowlers will still look to exploit any weaknesses in the Indian batting lineup.
The match remains keenly contested, with both teams possessing the capability to win. India will be looking to maintain their strong form, while England will aim for a much-improved performance in both batting and bowling to level the series.
First Piper 