England produced a batting masterclass to thrash India by nine wickets in the fourth T20I at the County Ground, Bristol, sealing the five-match series with an unassailable 3-0 lead. Chasing 159, the hosts won in just 13.5 overs, thanks to a stunning unbeaten partnership between captain Harry Brook and opener Phil Salt. The tight win also ended a long wait for England, who won their first ever bilateral T20I series of two or more matches against India.
Shreyas Iyer’s only fight saved India
After winning the toss and electing to bat, India again endured a familiar top-order collapse against a relentless England attack. Teenage opener Vaibhav Sooryavanshi fell for 15 after a good start, while Ishan Kishan (4) and Abhishek Sharma (16) failed to convert their starts as Jofra Archer and company reduced the visitors to 48/3 inside the opening seven overs.With wickets all around him, captain Shreyas Iyer stood tall with an incredible unbeaten 80 off 49 balls, producing another rescue act for his side. The right-hander mixed composure with aggression, smashing four boundaries and five sixes while taking a particular liking to veteran leg-spinner Adil Rashid. Iyer smashed 44 runs off just 16 balls against Rashid, registering the third-most runs scored by an Indian batter against a bowler in a T20I innings, as he guided India to 158/7.England’s bowlers, however, remained disciplined throughout. Jofra Archer finished with outstanding figures of 2/20, while Josh Tongue took 2/36.
Brook, Salt blows in India
India’s defense of 158 got off to a positive start when Arshdeep Singh dismissed Jos Buttler (8) early, briefly raising hopes of a competitive contest. Those hopes were quickly dashed.Captain Harry Brook unleashed a stunning attack in India’s attack, showcasing his all-round stroke play. Constantly shuffling across the crease, maneuvering the field and punishing anything out of whack, Brook dismantled India’s bowling with remarkable ease.The England skipper smashed a 21-ball half-century before finishing unbeaten on 79 off just 24 deliveries, an innings full of fearless stroke-making that left India with no answer.At the other end, Phil Salt played the perfect supporting role, remaining unbeaten on 59 as the pair stitched an unbroken 151-run stand after an early wicket. Their relentless attack ensured England chased down the target in just 13.5 overs, winning with 37 balls to spare.
Historic series wins:
England’s comprehensive victory secured their first bilateral T20I series victory over India in a contest that had more than two matches. Prior to this series, India had won five of the last six bilateral T20I series against England, while one ended level. The loss also continued India’s recent struggles in the format. This marked the team’s second successive bilateral T20I series defeat under captain Shreyas Iyer, after the earlier loss to Ireland.The result also ended India’s impressive record in bilateral T20Is, having won 11 of their previous 12 series, with the only exception being the 1-1 drawn series in South Africa in December 2023. England will now go into the fifth and final T20I looking to complete a series sweep, while India will be looking to salvage some pride after being comprehensively outplayed by Bristol.
Short scores:
India: 158/7 in 20 overs (Shreyas Iyer 80* off 49, Shivam Dube 22; Jofra Archer 2/20, Josh Tongue 2/36)England: 159/1 in 13.5 overs (Harry Brook 79* off 24, Phil Salt 59*; Arshdeep Singh 1/26)Result: England won by 9 wickets (with 37 balls to spare) and clinched the five-match T20I series 3-0.