Adil Rashid’s superb spell played a crucial role in England’s 26-run victory over India in the third T20 match in Rajkot, keeping the series alive. England posted 171-9 after a dramatic batting collapse, with Rashid’s economical 1 for 15 proving vital in India’s failure to chase down the target. India now leads the series 2-1 with two T20 matches remaining.
England’s aggressive batting was initially led by Ben Duckett, who scored a quickfire 51 off 28 balls. However, the innings faltered after a strong start, as Varun Chakravarthy produced a brilliant spell, taking 5 for 24. England lost five wickets for just 19 runs in a rapid collapse, with the middle order crumbling under pressure. Duckett was dismissed when he was caught at deep midwicket off Axar Patel, and shortly after, the wickets of Jamie Smith, Jamie Overton, and Jofra Archer fell quickly. Liam Livingstone’s 43 off 24 balls was a highlight in the lower order, helping England reach a defendable total, with Rashid and Mark Wood adding a crucial 24-run partnership.
In India’s chase, England’s bowlers, including Rashid, kept the pressure on. Rashid’s control over his deliveries was evident as he dismissed Tilak Varma, who had been in excellent form earlier in the series. Varma’s wicket was a turning point, as Rashid’s flighted delivery deceived the batter and left India at 4 for 39 in the eighth over. While Hardik Pandya fought back with a 40 off 35 balls, the required run rate climbed steadily. England’s bowlers, led by Rashid’s discipline, restricted India to just singles, and when Pandya fell, the chase was all but over.
Rashid’s skill in the early stages of his spell was particularly impressive. Jos Buttler, England’s white-ball captain, praised Rashid’s ability to read the conditions quickly and adapt his approach accordingly. Buttler noted that Rashid’s variety and consistency make him one of the most important players in the team, and his ability to bowl well early in his spell, regardless of the wicket conditions, gives England a crucial edge.
Despite a late surge from Pandya, who hit a few boundaries in an attempt to turn the game around, England’s bowlers were unrelenting. Jamie Overton’s varied pace kept India guessing, and he finished with three wickets in the match. Mark Wood, too, made key breakthroughs in the powerplay, dismissing key players like Suryakumar Yadav and Abhishek Sharma early on.
The early wickets by England’s pacers set the tone for the match. Archer dismissed Sanju Samson with a sharp delivery and then took a fine catch to dismiss Abhishek Sharma. The early breakthroughs kept India under pressure throughout their chase, and England’s bowlers capitalized on the opportunity to maintain the upper hand.
India’s chase had started brightly with Varma’s aggressive 72 in the previous match, but Rashid’s control and the support from England’s quicks ensured that India could never establish momentum. By the time Rashid completed his four overs, India needed 82 runs from the final 36 balls, a task that proved too difficult.
England’s win was a collective effort, with the bowlers sharing the wickets and Rashid’s key spell proving decisive. The victory keeps England’s hopes alive in the series, with two more T20s to play.
