Wed Jan 29 12:47:22 UTC 2025: ## India’s Pandya Fails to Deliver as England Wins Third T20I
**Pune, India –** England snatched victory from the jaws of defeat in the third T20I against India, winning by 26 runs and keeping the five-match series alive. Despite a five-wicket haul from Varun Chakravarthy (5/24), India’s batting lineup faltered in the chase of 172, ultimately managing only 145/9.
The spotlight was on Hardik Pandya, India’s designated finisher, who struggled early in his innings. While he eventually smashed two sixes and scored 40 runs off 35 balls (strike rate 114.29), his slow start and dismissal in the 19th over proved crucial. Pandya’s decision not to take a single in the 18th over, leaving him on strike for the first ball of the 19th, also drew criticism. His subsequent dismissal shifted the momentum decisively in England’s favor.
The lower middle order also failed to deliver, with Washington Sundar (6), Axar Patel (15), and Dhruv Jurel (2) making minimal contributions. Jamie Overton (3/24), Adil Rashid (1/15), and Brydon Carse (2/28) were the standout bowlers for England.
India, who had won the first two matches of the series, now face a crucial fourth T20I in Pune on Friday. The series is currently 2-1 in India’s favor.
First Piper 