Sun Feb 02 02:12:26 UTC 2025: ## India Clinches T20 Series Win Over England with 15-Run Victory
**Pune, India:** India secured an unassailable 3-1 lead in the five-match T20I series against England with a thrilling 15-run victory in Pune on Friday. Despite a shaky start, half-centuries from Hardik Pandya (53 off 30 balls) and Shivam Dube (53 off 34 balls) propelled India to a challenging 181/9.
England, after winning the toss and opting to bowl, made early inroads into the Indian batting line-up, dismissing Sanju Samson, Tilak Varma, and Suryakumar Yadav cheaply. However, crucial contributions from Abhishek Sharma (29) and Rinku Singh (30) steadied the innings before Pandya and Dube’s explosive partnership rescued India. The final over saw India lose three wickets, but the damage had already been done. Saqib Mahmood was the pick of the England bowlers with figures of 3/35.
In response, England got off to a promising start with Ben Duckett (39) and Phil Salt (23) laying a solid foundation. However, Harry Brook’s 51 off 26 balls was not enough to chase down the target as wickets tumbled regularly. Ravi Bishnoi (3/28) and Harshit Rana (3/30) were the standout bowlers for India, dismantling the English middle and lower order. England were eventually bowled out for 166 in 19.4 overs.
The win marks a strong performance from India, who overcame a challenging start to secure a commanding victory and the series. The final T20I will be played on February 2nd.
First Piper 