India vs England LIVE Cricket Score, 5th T20I: A Thrilling Encounter

cricket fans around the world tuned in to watch the fifth T20 International (T20I) match between India and England. The match was part of a five-game series, and both teams were eager to end on a high note. The venue was packed with enthusiastic supporters, and the atmosphere was electric. This game was crucial as it would determine the winner of the series.

India won the toss and decided to bat first. The decision seemed strategic, as the pitch was expected to favor batsmen early on. Openers Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul walked out to the crease with confidence. England’s bowlers, however, were ready to challenge them. The first few overs were tense, with both teams trying to gain the upper hand.

Rohit Sharma started aggressively, hitting a couple of boundaries in the third over. KL Rahul, on the other hand, took his time to settle in. England’s Chris Jordan bowled a tight line, making it difficult for the batsmen to score freely. By the end of the powerplay, India had scored 45 runs without losing any wickets. It was a decent start, but England knew they needed quick breakthroughs.

The breakthrough came in the 8th over when Adil Rashid dismissed Rohit Sharma. Rohit was caught at deep mid-wicket after scoring 30 runs. This brought Virat Kohli to the crease. Kohli, known for his consistency, started cautiously. KL Rahul, meanwhile, began to accelerate, hitting a six and a four in the 10th over. India reached 85 runs at the halfway mark, with only one wicket down.

England fought back in the 12th over when Mark Wood dismissed KL Rahul for 42 runs. Rahul’s wicket was a big blow for India, as he was looking set for a big score. Suryakumar Yadav joined Kohli at the crease, and the duo focused on building a partnership. They rotated the strike well and punished loose deliveries. By the 15th over, India had crossed the 120-run mark.

The 16th over proved to be a game-changer. Suryakumar Yadav hit two consecutive sixes off Chris Jordan, putting pressure on the English bowlers. Kohli, at the other end, reached his half-century with a classic cover drive. The partnership was flourishing, and India looked set for a big total. However, England struck again in the 18th over when Jofra Archer dismissed Suryakumar Yadav for 35 runs.

In the final two overs, India added 25 runs to their total, thanks to some big hits from Hardik Pandya. Kohli remained unbeaten on 65, guiding India to a competitive total of 180 runs for the loss of 4 wickets. It was a challenging target, but England had the firepower to chase it down.

England’s innings began with Jason Roy and Jos Buttler opening the batting. Both batsmen are known for their aggressive style, and they started positively. Roy hit two boundaries in the first over, setting the tone for the chase. However, India’s Bhuvneshwar Kumar struck in the second over, dismissing Roy for 15 runs. This brought Dawid Malan to the crease.

Buttler and Malan steadied the innings, scoring at a good pace. By the end of the powerplay, England had scored 50 runs for the loss of one wicket. The match was evenly poised, and the middle overs would be crucial. India’s spinners, Yuzvendra Chahal and Ravindra Jadeja, bowled tight lines, making it difficult for the batsmen to score freely.

The turning point came in the 10th over when Chahal dismissed Buttler for 40 runs. Buttler’s wicket was a huge setback for England, as he was their key batsman. Jonny Bairstow joined Malan, and the duo tried to rebuild the innings. However, the required run rate kept climbing, and the pressure mounted.

In the 15th over, Hardik Pandya dismissed Malan for 38 runs, leaving England in trouble. With 60 runs needed off the last five overs, the match was still alive. Bairstow and Eoin Morgan tried to accelerate, but India’s bowlers held their nerve. Jasprit Bumrah’s 18th over was exceptional, as he conceded only 6 runs and took the wicket of Morgan.

In the end, England fell short by 10 runs, finishing at 170 for 6 in their 20 overs. India won the match and clinched the series 3-2. It was a thrilling contest, with both teams giving their all. Virat Kohli was named Player of the Match for his unbeaten 65, which proved to be the difference.

The series was a great advertisement for T20 cricket, showcasing skill, strategy, and excitement. Fans were treated to high-quality cricket, and both teams earned respect for their performances.