Tue Jan 28 18:14:46 UTC 2025: ## England Stave Off Defeat, Beat India in Thrilling T20 Encounter
**Rajkot, India:** England snatched a thrilling 25-run victory over India in the third T20 international in Rajkot on Tuesday, keeping the five-match series alive. A blistering 51 off 28 balls by Ben Duckett set the stage for England’s 171-9, despite a late collapse triggered by India’s Varun Chakravarthy, who claimed an impressive 5-24.
England’s bowlers then delivered a disciplined performance, restricting India to 145-9. Leg-spinner Adil Rashid impressed with figures of 1-15, while Jamie Overton took three wickets, and Jofra Archer and Brydon Carse bagged two each. Hardik Pandya’s 40 off 35 balls proved insufficient as the required run rate spiraled beyond reach.
Archer struck early, dismissing Sanju Samson, while Carse removed Abhishek Sharma, with Archer taking a stunning catch. Mark Wood then dismissed captain Suryakumar Yadav. Regular wickets tumbled, with Rashid and Overton reducing India to 85-5. Pandya’s efforts were ultimately thwarted, leaving India unable to chase down the target.
Earlier, Duckett’s explosive innings, along with a quickfire 43 from Liam Livingstone, propelled England’s total. Despite a late order wobble, Livingstone’s defiant knock, featuring three sixes in four balls, proved crucial. Mohammed Shami, returning to international cricket, conceded 25 runs in three wicketless overs.
The series now stands at 2-1 in India’s favor, with the fourth T20 scheduled for Friday in Pune. England will be hoping to build on this momentum and level the series.
First Piper 