India go 2-0 up in five-match T20 series with dramatic two-wicket victory over England in Chennai
By Ciara Fearn
Updated 28/01/2025 at 17:23 GMT
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England were hoping to go level with India in their five-match T20 series after losing the opening match to the hosts. The visitors were put into bowl in the second match after India won the toss, and Brydon Carse and Jos Buttler scored well to put up a total of 165-9. However, India were able to chase down the total and secure a win with two wickets remaining.
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India seized a 2-0 lead in their five-match T20 series against England as they won by two wickets in Chennai.
India won the toss and chose to bowl first, with England scoring 165-9 thanks to high scores of 45 from Jos Buttler and 31 from Brydon Carse.
England bowled well to reduce India to 146-8 after 17 overs, but Tilak Varma's hugely impressive undefeated 72 concluded the match in India's favour when he struck four through a gap in the covers to reach the target.
The innings followed a familiar pattern, with momentum shifting between both teams as wickets fell regularly.
Varma's performance stood out, and his ability to shift gears under pressure was remarkable. It was not just about big shots; it was about crafting the innings and managing it. The youngster had strong support from Washington Sundar, who hit 26 off 19 balls.
For England, debutant Jamie Smith provided a spark with a brisk 22 off 12 balls, while Carse powered 31 off 17 deliveries to push England to a defendable total. Abdil Rashid (1-14) was foiled by Jofra Archer (1-60) proving rather expensive.
With six runs needed in the final over, Varma sealed the win in style, driving Jamie Overton’s second delivery through the covers for four to secure victory with four balls remaining.
Player of the Match - Tilak Varma
There were plenty of impressive performers for India on the day, but it was Varma's brilliant unbeaten 72 that guided India to a nail-biting two-wicket win.
To deliver at such a crucial moment is impressive, especially for a 22-year-old.
Varma maintained his incredible form, extending his streak of unbeaten T20 international innings to four. This run includes consecutive centuries against South Africa last November and an unbeaten 19 against England earlier in the series.
Talking Point - England pushed India close
England are planning on using high pace with the ball in this era of their white-ball set-up, and the performances of Wood and Archer in defeat will give them encouragement.
England created a lot of chances and were aggressive. They pushed India, took the game head on and got up to what was nearly a defendable score.
Captain Buttler (45) top scored for a second successive game, before Carse's cameo of 31 from 17 balls ensured the tourists challenged India.
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Making his T20 debut due to Jacob Bethell's illness, Smith showed no nerves despite the pressure of Buttler's dismissal. He struck a six off Varun Chakravarthy on his fourth ball and followed it with another off Abhishek Sharma.
On the other hand, Phil Salt's struggles continued with a cheap dismissal, dragging a short ball from Arshdeep Singh to square leg for a simple catch.
He now has four single-digit scores in his last five T20 innings, all against left-arm bowlers. Salt will aim to overcome this slump, as his place in the side remains secure for now.
India’s spinners have dominated the series, taking 11 English wickets so far, a trend unlikely to change.
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England, in contrast, leaned on pace, with Carse standing out and adapting well to the conditions. Archer struggled, conceding 60 runs in his four overs, his most expensive T20 spell.
Rashid remained England’s most economical bowler, underlining the team’s lack of spin depth as the 36-year-old nears the latter stage of his career.
Buttler’s brilliance with the bat again will be encouraging for England’s coaching team. He dominated India’s attack and finally departed after a decent 45 off 30 balls.
India will aim to cease the opportunity of a series win when they face England in the third match in Rajkot on Tuesday.
Watch and stream the series on TNT Sports and discovery+.
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