In the third and final ODI, India defeated England by five wickets to win the series 2-1. England was bowled out for 259 despite the highest score of 60 from captain Jos Buttler and 41 from opener Jason Roy. Chasing 260, India reached their goal in 42.1 overs thanks to Rishabh Pant’s unbeaten 125 and Pandya’s 71.
India Vs England 3rd ODI Match Highlights:
After winning the toss, India elected to field first. To put England on the back foot, Siraj removed Jonny Bairstow and Joe Root in the second over. By dismissing Moeen Ali on 34, Ravindra Jadeja broke the crucial partnership between Buttler and Ali. Hardik removed England skipper Jos Buttler and Liam Livingstone in the 37th over.
England somehow passed the 250-run mark thanks to cameos from Craig Overton and David Willey. For India, Hardik Pandya took 4 wickets while Yuzvendra Chahal took 3
India was 72 for four at one point when chasing a goal of 260 before being saved by Rishabh Pant and Hardik Pandya. India successfully defended the score with 47 balls remaining thanks to the pair’s 133-run fifth-wicket partnership. Hardik was out after reaching 71 while Pant continued undefeated at 125 as he scored his first ODI century.
The losing captain Jos Buttler talked about series loss, as he said, “I thought we were short (of runs). Needed a good start which we got actually (with the ball). Throughout the whole summer so far we haven’t batted our best. He (Topley) has been brilliant for us, put in a man of the match performance in the T20s as well. He was just creaking a bit, it’s been a tough schedule and will probably have to look after him (Topley bowling 7 overs). If you give good players a chance they hurt you, half-chance with Pandya, along with the stumping. If we took our chances, with India’s tail, could’ve got hold of the game. I’ve found it (captaincy) absolutely fine to be honest. Missed a chance but don’t think it’s got anything to do with captaincy. I’m an experienced cricketer but a young captain. Rash (Rashid) has probably been the most important player in our team for a long time. Look forward to welcome him back.”
The winning captain Rohit Sharma looked happy with team’s performance, he mentioned “Very pleased. Came here, wanted to achieve something as a group in white ball. We were here last time and were beaten, I remember that. Not an easy place to come and win games. It was a good pitch, but we do understand it’s not going to be easy if we lose wickets upfront. Positive side of it, these guys haven’t batted much in the middle overs. Today we got to see that with Hardik and Rishabh. At no point we felt they were panicking. They backed themselves and played cricketing shots. He’s a critical member for us (Chahal). Has got so much experience bowling in all formats. Pretty pleased with how he’s come back after the WC. Hardik as well. One side boundary was long, he kept bowling the bouncers and got rewards for it. Not really (Worried about top-order?). To be honest, the wicket didn’t have much. We played some not so good shots. Still back those guys to come out good. One of those series where top order hasn’t come to the party. Have got nothing more to say because I know the quality they bring to the team. We’ve got some solid guys sitting on the bench who’ve been waiting to get a game. Want to create that bench strength. Injuries are bound to happen, have to manage workload, so need to build bench strength. Have got some solid guys who will get their opportunity in West Indies.”
