England defeated India by 26 runs in the third T20I in Rajkot. Their bowlers maintained pressure throughout, and India failed to handle it. As a result, England reduced India's series lead to 2-1.

India Loses Early Wickets Quickly

India, chasing 172, suffered early setbacks. Abhishek Sharma started aggressively, scoring 24 off 14 balls. However, he soon got out, shifting the momentum. Meanwhile, Jofra Archer’s pace troubled Sanju Samson, who fell for just 3 runs. Shortly after, Brydon Carse dismissed Sharma, pushing India further on the back foot.

Suryakumar Falls, Middle Order Struggles

At this point, India needed stability. Suryakumar Yadav began well but couldn’t build on his start. He departed for 14 off 7 balls, increasing India’s trouble. By the end of the powerplay, India stood at 51/3, under immense pressure. Although Tilak Varma attempted to anchor the innings, Washington Sundar’s promotion did not work as expected.

Chase Slips Away as Wickets Keep Falling

India’s troubles deepened at 85/5 in the 12th over. Hardik Pandya (40) and Axar Patel (15) tried to rescue the innings. However, England’s disciplined bowling made scoring difficult. Consequently, wickets kept falling at crucial moments. With 32 runs needed in the final over, the match was practically over. Eventually, Carse dismissed Dhruv Jurel, and India finished at 145/9.

England Starts Poorly but Recovers Well

Earlier, India won the toss and opted to bowl. England’s innings began shakily as Phil Salt threw away his wicket. Soon after, Harry Brook followed, leaving England at 7/1. However, Ben Duckett counterattacked, hitting boundaries off Hardik Pandya and Sundar.

Momentum Shifts as India Strikes Back

England reached 50 in just over five overs and looked strong at 52/1 after the powerplay. Jos Buttler began to find his rhythm, smashing a four and a six off Ravi Bishnoi. However, India responded quickly. Varun Chakravarthy dismissed Buttler, shifting momentum again. Shortly after, Abhishek Sharma took a sharp catch to remove Duckett for 51.

Middle Order Collapses, Livingstone Rescues England

Despite a strong start, England’s middle order collapsed. Bishnoi removed Brook for just 8. Soon after, Chakravarthy took two wickets in two balls, reducing England to 115/6. As a result, England struggled to maintain momentum. Later, Chakravarthy claimed his second five-wicket haul by dismissing Carse and Archer. England slumped to 127/8 after 16 overs. Even though England was in trouble, Liam Livingstone played a crucial late knock. He smashed three sixes before getting out for 43. Thanks to his efforts, England finished at 171/9 in 20 overs.

India Falls Short, England Stays Alive in Series

India had a promising start but lost control midway. England’s disciplined bowling attack continued to build pressure. Eventually, India fell 26 runs short, finishing at 145/9. With this win, England kept the series alive at 2-1.

Brief Scorecard

Looking Ahead

India now needs to work on its batting. India is still leading the series 2-1. With just one more win required, the team is on the brink of clinching the series. On the other hand, England keeps the series alive. Key players like Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Varma, and India's bowlers will play an essential role in the next match.