Sat Feb 01 02:26:37 UTC 2025: ## India Seizes Unassailable Lead in T20 Series Against England

**Pune, India –** India has secured an unassailable 3-1 lead in the five-match T20I series against England after a thrilling 15-run victory in Pune on Friday. The match, played at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium, saw India post a challenging 181/9 despite a shaky start.

England’s fast bowler Saqib Mahmood struck early, dismissing three Indian batsmen in one over, including Sanju Samson, Tilak Varma, and Suryakumar Yadav for ducks. However, a crucial 87-run partnership between Hardik Pandya (53) and Shivam Dube (53) steadied the innings. Pandya’s explosive 30-ball knock, featuring four fours and four sixes, proved pivotal in India reaching a competitive total.

Chasing 182, England began aggressively with Ben Duckett setting a brisk pace. However, India’s bowlers fought back. Ravi Bishnoi claimed three wickets, including Duckett, while Axar Patel and Varun Chakravarthy also made key contributions. A half-century by Harry Brook (51) kept England in contention, but a double-wicket over from Chakravarthy shifted the momentum. Harshit Rana, a concussion substitute for Dube, impressed on his international debut, taking 3/33 as India bowled England out for 166 in 19.4 overs.

The series finale will take place at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai this Sunday. With the series already secured, India will aim to complete a dominant 4-1 victory.

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