India registered a hard-fought 15-run victory over England in the fourth T20I at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Pune, sealing the series 3-1 with one match to spare. After posting 181/9, India’s bowlers, led by Ravi Bishnoi and debutant Harshit Rana, delivered a clinical performance to bowl out England for 166 in 19.4 overs. This win marked India’s 17th consecutive T20I series triumph at home, further reinforcing their dominance in the shortest format. Notably, Harshit was introduced as a concussion substitute for Shivam Dube in the second innings, a move that proved decisive in India’s favour.
Shivam Dube and Hardik Pandya’s counterattack rescues India from top-order collapse
India’s batting innings began on a disastrous note, with the hosts reeling at 12/3 within two overs. Saqib Mahmood’s triple strike sent Tilak Varma and Suryakumar Yadav back to the pavilion for ducks, while Sanju Samson managed just one run before perishing. However, Abhishek Sharma and Rinku Singh attempted a partial recovery before the duo of Dube and Hardik Pandya turned the tide. Dube’s 53 off 34 balls, featuring seven fours and two sixes, provided much-needed stability, while Pandya’s explosive 53 off 30 balls, laced with four fours and four sixes, ensured India reached a competitive 181/9 despite losing wickets at regular intervals.
Also READ: Triple-wicket maiden: England pacer Saqib Mahmood achieves a unique feat in the 4th T20I against India
Ravi Bishnoi and Harshit Rana star as England falter in chase
Chasing 182, England got off to a flying start, with Ben Duckett’s 19-ball 39 propelling them to 62/1 in the powerplay. However, Bishnoi’s twin strikes removed Duckett and captain Jos Buttler in quick succession, putting India back in control. Harry Brook fought back with a blistering 51 off 26 balls, but wickets continued to tumble at crucial junctures. Debutant Rana, brought in as a concussion substitute, made an instant impact by dismissing Liam Livingstone and Jacob Bethell, before cleaning up Jamie Overton to finish with 3/33. Varun Chakravarthy, Axar Patel and Arshdeep Singh also claimed crucial wickets, ensuring that England fell 15 runs short of the target.
Here’s how netizens reacted:
Opportunities can come from the most unexpected places. Harshit Rana, at the start of play, probably never imagined he’d play such a pivotal role in the game. Life. Cricket.
— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) January 31, 2025
How can an out & out bowler replace a batter who bowls part time !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! #INDvsENG
— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) January 31, 2025
Concussion substitute Harshit Rana proved to be the trump card. He took 3 wickets, Ravi Bishnoi 3/33 & Varun Chakraborty took 2 wickets in his final over. Arshdeep & @akshar2026 took one wicket apiece. Congratulations to @IamShivamDube @hardikpandya7 for marvellous attacking 50s,… pic.twitter.com/ParEul8rfL
— Pramod Kumar Singh (@SinghPramod2784) January 31, 2025
Excellent bowling by Harshit Rana
Excellent bowling by Ravi Bishnoi
Excellent bowling by Varun Chakravarthy
Excellent batting by Hardik Pandya
Excellent batting by Shivam Dube
Excellent coaching by Gautam Gambhir🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳👏
— Sushant Mehta (@SushantNMehta) January 31, 2025
Collective brilliance, all-round effort – another series win for #TeamIndia! 💙💪#PlayWithFire | #INDvENG pic.twitter.com/rCH09IezYr
— SunRisers Hyderabad (@SunRisers) January 31, 2025
53 🤝 53
Smashed Left and Right!🥳 #WhistlePodu #INDvENG
📸 : BCCI pic.twitter.com/97CT8cLml5— Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) January 31, 2025
While the spinners have been magnificent throughout this series, India will be happiest with the form of Shivam Dube and Hardik Pandya.
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) January 31, 2025
No Rohit in the squad but Jadoo is still doing his thing 😂💙#IYKYK pic.twitter.com/ZuL5krfUzv
— Lucknow Super Giants (@LucknowIPL) January 31, 2025
We fall just short in the chase, as India claim victory.
Congratulations to the hosts, who take an unassailable 3-1 lead in the series.
We will look to bounce back in the final match of the series in Mumbai on Sunday 👊 pic.twitter.com/c2Esp2HZbc
— England Cricket (@englandcricket) January 31, 2025
India win by 15 runs and seal the series
Scorecard: https://t.co/ZhBjoOVNOF#cricket #INDvENG #T20I pic.twitter.com/QCfHhR7iX1— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) January 31, 2025