Jos Buttler 83* and Jonny Bairstow 40* helped England chase down India's 157-run target in a eight-wicket win to take 2-1 lead in the five-match series on Tuesday. The Indian top-order crumbled under some quick spells from comeback man Mark Wood and a menacing Archer. With the top-order in ruins, it was always difficult for India to inspire a comeback but it was nearly on, for a near flawless Virat Kohli was out to lead India's fightback. Kohli's blade did not bow to the England bowlers as he racked up a sizzling 77* to lead India to a below-par 156/6.
As expected, the total did little to put England off-guard and the visitor's chase was set up by a sublime 83* from Jos Buttler. Buttler took on the Indian bowlers from the start and dished out their hopes for a regular breakthroughs. Buttler added up with Bairstow for the third-wicket and put the Indians into further misery as the bowlers looked in no shape to make further inroads.
Speaking after the loss Kohli said the pitch was tacky, but they England had extra pace and hit good areas. The key was partnerships and we had one little partnership. Even Hardik Pandya in the first half, it was not easy to hit through the line. The case was to get set and get us to a decent total. He's Rahul's a champion player and one of our main batters along with Rohit. It is, toss, is a factor, but if you lose the toss, embrace what has been asked from you. The England bowlers attacked right lines and lengths and with their pace they became more potent. We lacked intensity in the second half.
Eoin Morgan said the carry we saw throughout the whole game, it was surprising. Our guys don't find it too hard to adjust. First half of our bowling was exceptional. The wicket stayed similar. When there's one short side, you don't know what's a good score. It's just the dynamics of T20 cricket. Jos is a world-class player, we are very lucky to have him. He competes with the best when it comes to opening the batting. He's a great leader within our group.
Seven-wicket win for India
Virat Kohli slammed the winning six to seal a win for India against England in the second T20I. In reply to England's target of 165 runs, captain Kohli scored an unbeaten knock of 73 in 49 balls, to help India reach 166 for three in 17.5 overs. The hosts had a poor start to their chase, losing KL Rahul for a duck. But after the arrival of Kohli, India began to gain momentum and also saw the skipper stitch together a partnership with debutant Ishan Kishan. Kishan also registered a half-century (56 off 32 balls), before getting dismissed. Rishabh Pant also made a noteworthy contribution of 26 runs, with Shreyas Iyer (8) remaining unbeaten with Kohli. The visiting bowlers couldn't really find their footing in the second T20I, with Sam Curran, Chris Jordan and Adil Rashid registering a wicket each. Earlier, the visitors could only muster 164 for six in 20 overs, with Jason Roy (46 off 35) once again missing out on a half-century.
Win for England
Jason Roy’s quickfire 49 overshadowed Shreyas Iyer’s career-best 67 as England chased down a paltry 125-run target comfortably and won the first T20I against India by 8 wickets. Indian bowlers Yuzvendra Chahal (1/44) and Washinton Sundar (1/18) picked up a wicket apiece. With this win, the Eoin Morgan-led side goes up 1-0 in the 5-match series.
GCA bars audience at Narendra Modi Stadium
The rapid surge in Covid-19 cases in Ahmedabad has prompted the Gujarat Cricket Association (GCA) to prohibit audience for the remaining three of the five-series T20 International series being played at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Motera. The matches will be played at the stadium as per schedule, but without any spectators. Those who have purchased the tickets will be given refunds, the GCA announced in its official release.
The first and second matches of the series between India and England were played on March 12 and 14, while the remaining three will be played without spectators. Making the announcement, Dhanraj Nathwani, vice-president of GCA, said the decision was taken in view of the rise in number of cases after consultation with the BCCI. The huge gatherings at the stadium for all the matches played till now, including two Test matches and two T20 matches, had invited the ire of many from the general public as well as owners of restaurants and other eateries who have been facing a crackdown by AMC in wake of rising cases.
