England Beats India by 26 Runs, Keeps T20 Series Alive

England defeated India by 26 runs in Rajkot, keeping their T20 series hopes alive after losing the first two matches. Set a target of 172, India finished on 145-9, falling short despite a solid effort from Hardik Pandya, who scored 40 off 35 balls. England’s total of 171-9 led by Ben Duckett’s 51 off 28 balls and Liam Livingstone’s 43 from 21 balls, seemed below-par on a good pitch but their bowlers dominated. England’s bowlers kept India in check from the start with Jofra Archer, Mark Wood and Brydon Carse making key breakthroughs.

Archer took two wickets, including a stunning catch while Wood dismissed Suryakumar Yadav. Adil Rashid was outstanding, taking 1-15 from four overs while Jamie Overton’s 3-24 was pivotal in India’s collapse. Despite a strong partnership between Pandya and Axar Patel, India’s chase faltered and England closed out the win. England’s victory was crucial but issues against India’s spinners persisted. Harry Brook continued to struggle, dismissed cheaply by Ravi Bishnoi for the third consecutive match.

England lost six wickets for single-digit scores with four falling to Varun Chakravarthy. However, Livingstone’s aggressive 43 and Rashid’s brilliant bowling gave England a much-needed win. England captain Jos Buttler praised the team’s performance, particularly Rashid, calling him “the most important player” with his varied bowling styles. India’s Suryakumar Yadav acknowledged Rashid’s impact while admitting India had let the game slip. England now has a chance to level the series with the fourth match in Pune on Friday.