India vs England 2021: WATCH – Hardik Pandya reacts to Ben Stokes’ wicket after he dropped a dolly

India vs England 2021: WATCH – Hardik Pandya reacts to Ben Stokes’ wicket after he dropped a dolly

Hardik Pandya bows down

India are in complete control of the game having dismissed England’s top three run getters in the ODI series. For the first time in the series, the hosts have been able to scalp wickets in the powerplay and its effect is evident. England’s attacking top order is back in the dugout as the hosts gear up for a clean sweep of the tour.

The latest Englishman to depart was Ben Stokes. The hard-hitting all-rounder departed as he failed to dispatch a full toss off T Natarajan. While the Indian team was delighted having gotten rid of Stokes, Hardik Pandya was the happiest man on the field. Pandya had dropped Stokes in the powerplay when he was only at 12.

Stokes had mistimed a knuckleball from Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Pandya dropped a regulation catch at mid-on. While the drop left the Indian camp shell-shocked, the hosts were able to remove the Englishman before he could inflict much damage. Pandya was seen bowing down to Shikhar Dhawan who held on to Stokes’ catch the second time around to dismiss him for 35.

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India in a commanding position

India
Indian Cricket Team

The hosts are in a commanding position having posted a respectable target batting first. Rishabh Pant scored his second successive half-century to top score with 78 while Dhawan (67) and Pandya (64) also made useful contributions. But the hosts failed to finish big as they folded for 329 in 48.2 overs, losing the last four wickets for eight runs in 15 balls.

In reply, England have reduced to 99 for 4 in just 16 overs. The host’s four-pronged pace attack seems to be proving effective in the series decider. Bhuvneshwar Kumar has been the pick of the India bowlers as he has already scalped two wickets. Kumar was impressive with his trademark swing bowling as he sent the in form English openers packing in the powerplay. The visitors have a long way to go with almost half their team in the dugout.

Also Read | WATCH – Ben Stokes checks out Shardul Thakur’s bat after the latter’s six off his bowling