India defeat England by 8 runs, level 5-match series 2-2

India defeat England by 8 runs, level 5-match series 2-2. This was the first time in the series that a team batting first had won the match. This was also the closest game in the series. All 3 results were possible until the penultimate delivery. Shardul Thakur was the star with the ball as he picked up crucial wickets of Ben Stokes and Eoin Morgan on consecutive deliveries. He also bowled the last over, where he had to defend 23 runs.

Brief Scores:

India 185-8(20 overs). S Yadav 57(31), S Iyer 37(18), J Archer 4/33, M Wood 1/25.

England 17-8(20 overs). B Stokes 46(23), J Roy 40(27), S Thakur 3/42, H Pandya 2/16.

Result: India defeat England by 8 runs, level 5 match series 2-2.

Man of the Match: Suryakumar Yadav

England skipper Eoin Morgan won the toss and expectedly chose to bowl first. This was a no-brainer as chasing has been easier this entire series. India made 2 changes to their playing 11 from the last match. They brought in Suryakumar Yadav in place of the injured Ishan Kishan. Also they dropped Yuzvendra Chahal and gave a chance to youngster Rahul Chahar.

Suryakumar Yadav scores fifty in his debut innings in international cricket.

Suryakumar Yadav played an explosive innings in his maiden batting appearance. He hit the first delivery he faced for a six. He played some beautiful shots and constructed his innings beautifully. In the process he notched up his maiden fifty in his debut innings. He was ably supported by Rishabh Pant.

But after Pant was dismissed, Shreyas Iyer played another gem of an innings. He hit 37 runs off just 18 balls. He provided the necessary acceleration needed in India’s innings. Along with small contributions from other batsmen, India managed to reach a par score on this wicket.

Shardul Thakur takes crucial 3 wickets, 2 of them of consecutive deliveries.

England began their chase pretty well. They did lose Jos Buttler early but Jason Roy played some shots to reach his score of 40. But the main partnership was between Ben Stokes and Jonny Bairstow. They made 66 runs in that partnership and it looked like the game was slipping out of India’s hands. But Shardul Thakur dismissed Stokes and then also took the wicket of Eoin Morgan.

Hardik Pandya gives away just 16 runs in his 4 overs, picks up 2 wickets.

Washington Sundar had an off-day. But Hardik Pandya bowled beautifully. He gave just 16 runs off his 4 overs. He also picked up important wickets of Jason Roy and Sam Curran. England needed 23 runs of the last over and Shardul Thakur was successful in defending it. Overall it was a very close T20 match, and both teams had their chances throughout the game.
Suryakumar Yadav was adjudged Man of the Match for his superb innings of 57 off just 31 deliveries. This was his debut innings in international cricket. He hit 6 fours and 3 huge sixes in his knock.

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