Indian spinner Varun Chakravarthy was sensational on the day, taking a brilliant five-wicket haul, but it all fell through as India lost to England by 26 runs in Grant Book on Tuesday.
Having put up records of 5 for 24 from 4 overs, Chakravarthy figured to set up a well together strategy for India, which ultimately restricted England to a meager score of 171 in its first innings. But, alas, the battle was futile, as the Indian batting lineup crumbled in the face of the chase set forth.
With the likes of the fast bowlers Archer, Wood, and Carse all hitting with critical mini-spells, the pressure and the run required all of a sudden shot through the roof, giving the visitors a massive loosening.
Hardik Pandya fought malevolent and hard to stay in the game, but somehow could not set a glorious pace with which to trouble the scoreboard regularly. England managed to comfortably defend the total in the end, winning by 26 runs, as Rashid and Overton put up startling spells that choked the batters out and dealt with them in as timely a manner as possible.
“Sad we could not make it this match, but that’s the nature of this game. We have to move on,” Chakravarthy conceded disappointing in a post-match interview, nevertheless convinced to move ahead with the series.
Continuing the immense form he has developed through the tournament, Chakravarthy served to baffle his England compatriots with his scalps. The Indian, in fact, became the first bowler to achieve a famous five-wicket haul in a bilateral series of short format matches consisting of T20I matches against England with a total of 10 wickets to his name.
However, unfortunate as it may be, with the loss tonight, the mystery Indian spinner became the only bowler in T20I to record five-fers in two losses.
“As an international player, you need to take responsibility. I think I can do this to some extent. I will not complain (about one-over spells) since I have on some occasions bowled four overs at a stretch. I am open to everything,” Varun said humbly.
To rub salt into the wounds, in the final over, the English bowlers completely ripped apart the Indian side, with Carse, Overton, and Archer getting two wickets apiece and stealing the match against the hosts to stay alive in the five-match series.
India is ahead 2-1 in the series, with the fourth T20I scheduled to take place in Pune on Friday.