Wed Jan 29 00:47:59 IST 2025: ## England Stuns India in Rajkot Thriller, Winning Third T20I by 26 Runs

**Rajkot, India** – England snatched a thrilling 26-run victory over India in the third T20I at Rajkot, keeping the series alive with a 2-1 lead for India. A late-innings surge from Liam Livingstone (43 off 24) propelled England to a competitive 171/9, despite a sensational five-wicket haul from Varun Chakravarthy (5/24) who decimated the England middle order.

India’s chase never truly ignited. A stunning spell from Adil Rashid (1/15) and a combined effort from the English pace attack, including Jamie Overton (3/28), left India reeling at 78/4 after 10 overs. The hosts endured a remarkable drought of seven consecutive overs without a boundary, further hindering their pursuit. Despite a valiant effort from Hardik Pandya (40 off 35), India ultimately fell short, finishing on 145/9.

England’s bowling attack proved too clinical for India, who struggled to find any fluency against the disciplined pace and spin bowling. The absence of Arshdeep Singh in the Indian side, replaced by the returning Mohammed Shami, didn’t significantly impact the outcome.

The match saw several key individual performances. Livingstone’s explosive cameo provided a crucial boost to England’s innings, while Chakravarthy’s spell showcased his exceptional spin bowling skills. Overton’s three wickets were pivotal in restricting India’s progress.

While India maintains a 2-1 series lead, England’s victory injected significant drama into the series, setting the stage for a potentially exciting final match. The win signifies a turnaround in fortunes for England after two earlier losses and proves their aggressive Bazball approach remains a potent force.

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