India’s miserable run in T20 cricket reached a new low as England handed the reigning world champions their heaviest defeat in the format, crushing them by 125 runs in the third T20I at Trent Bridge.
Chasing 202 for victory, India was blown away for just 76 in 11.4 overs, registering their second-lowest total in T20 internationals. The defeat was also India’s fourth consecutive loss in completed T20Is, leaving them needing to win the remaining two matches to avoid back-to-back series defeats after already losing to Ireland.
England’s pace attack was led brilliantly by Jofra Archer and Josh Tongue, who shared seven wickets between them. Archer unsettled India’s batters with his express pace and sharp bouncers, while Tongue claimed career-best T20 figures of 4 for 28.
The collapse came despite a fearless start from India’s openers. Teenage debutant Vaibhav Sooryavanshi announced his intentions by smashing a six off just his third ball, while Abhishek Sharma also cleared the ropes early. India struck three sixes inside the opening nine deliveries, but their aggressive approach quickly unravelled against England’s relentless pace attack.
Tongue struck first by dismissing Abhishek before Archer removed Sooryavanshi with a sharp bouncer that forced a glove through to the wicketkeeper. Ishan Kishan briefly counterattacked with another six before getting out, while captain Shreyas Iyer fell the very next ball. Axar Patel’s brief cameo ended with Archer claiming his third wicket, leaving India reeling at 52 for 5 after just five overs.
The lower order offered little resistance. Tilak Varma was stumped off Will Jacks, Shivam Dube fell to another hostile Tongue short ball, and the innings folded rapidly as no Indian batter managed to score more than 13.
Earlier, England posted 201 for 8 after being asked to bat. Phil Salt anchored the innings with a well-compiled 70 off 44 deliveries, recovering from a cautious start to hold the innings together. Sam Curran provided valuable support with 41 off just 24 balls as the pair added 47 runs during the middle overs.
India managed to take wickets at regular intervals. Prince Yadav impressed in only his second T20I, finishing with 2 for 32 after dismissing Jos Buttler and Harry Brook. Harshit Rana also struck twice in consecutive deliveries, but leaked runs later in the innings. Despite those breakthroughs, England comfortably crossed the 200-run mark before producing a devastating bowling display.
With the series now 2-0 in England’s favour after one abandoned match, India now faces an uphill battle to bounce back in the series. More importantly, the crushing defeat has exposed serious concerns for the batting unit, which has failed to cope with high-quality pace throughout the tour.
