The T20 series between India and England is reaching its climax as both teams gear up for the fourth T20I on Friday, January 31, at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Pune. With India leading the series 2-1, a victory will seal the deal for the hosts, while England will be desperate to level the series and force a decider.
India’s Performance So Far
After dominating the first two matches, India stumbled in the third T20I, falling short by 26 runs while chasing 172. The top-order collapse proved costly, with Sanju Samson, Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Varma, and Washington Sundar all failing to make an impact. Despite a fighting knock from Hardik Pandya (40 off 35 balls) and a brisk cameo from Abhishek Sharma (24 off 14), India finished at 148/9.
Bowling-wise, Varun Chakravarthy was the standout performer, registering an impressive 5/24. Hardik Pandya chipped in with two wickets but leaked runs, while Mohammed Shami went wicketless in his comeback match. Ravi Bishnoi struggled, conceding 46 runs in his four overs. India will need a stronger batting display to prevent England from leveling the series.
England’s Fightback
England showcased resilience in the third T20I, proving why they are among the best in the format. Ben Duckett led the charge with a blistering 51 off 28 balls, while Jos Buttler (24) and Liam Livingstone (43 off 24) played crucial roles in setting up a total of 171/9.
Their bowlers delivered under pressure, with Jamie Overton claiming three wickets, while Jofra Archer and Brydon Carse picked up two each. Adil Rashid was exceptional, conceding just 15 runs in his four overs and grabbing a crucial wicket. With confidence restored, England will go all out to force a grand finale.
IND vs ENG Head-to-Head in T20Is
- Total Matches Played: 27
- India Won: 15
- England Won: 12
- No Result: 0
MCA Stadium Pitch Report
The MCA Stadium in Pune has historically been a favorable venue for spinners. The pitch offers significant turn, making stroke play challenging as the game progresses. The average first-innings score in T20Is at this venue is 166, indicating that batters must spend time at the crease before playing aggressive shots. Chasing teams tend to struggle due to the slowing nature of the wicket. With dew unlikely to play a major role, the team winning the toss may opt to bat first and set a strong total.
Key Players to Watch in IND vs ENG 4th T20I
India
- Sanju Samson: Despite an underwhelming series so far, Samson has been in top form for India recently, scoring 400 runs in his last 10 matches at an average of 44.44 and a strike rate of 184.33.
- Tilak Varma: The left-hander has been exceptional, amassing 389 runs in just seven games at an average of 129.67 with a strike rate of 172.12.
- Varun Chakravarthy: The mystery spinner has been India’s most lethal weapon, taking 27 wickets in his last 10 matches at an economy of 7.4.
- Arshdeep Singh: A consistent wicket-taker, Arshdeep has picked up 15 wickets in eight games at an economy of 7.63.
England
- Jos Buttler: The England skipper is a game-changer, scoring 262 runs in his last eight matches at an average of 37.43 and a strike rate of 154.11.
- Liam Livingstone: Known for his explosive batting, Livingstone has scored 246 runs in his last 10 games at an average of 35.14 and a strike rate of 154.71.
- Brydon Carse: The pacer has been a revelation, taking five wickets in the last two matches at an economy of 7.12.
- Adil Rashid: England’s spin maestro has taken nine wickets in his last seven matches at an economy of just 6.85, making him a vital asset in Pune’s spin-friendly conditions.
Match Prediction: Who Holds the Edge?
Predicted Top Performers
- India: Sanju Samson, Tilak Varma, Varun Chakravarthy
- England: Jos Buttler, Liam Livingstone, Brydon Carse
Predicted Scores
- First Innings: 150-170
- Second Innings: 145-165
Final Verdict:
With spin likely to play a crucial role, India’s Varun Chakravarthy could be a game-changer, while England will bank on Adil Rashid. Given the pitch conditions, the team batting first will have a significant advantage. If India’s batting unit steps up, they could clinch the series. However, England’s renewed confidence makes this a contest to watch. Expect a nail-biting encounter.