India sealed a thrilling victory in the third ODI against England yesterday as the tour came to a thrilling climax. With the win, India ensured that each series in the tour was won by them. First up was the Test series where India bounced back from losing the first match to win the next three. The T20I series was much closer and it ended in the decider with India edging it 3-2. The ODIs also followed a similar pattern as India won the decider.
However, the win in the third ODI was not easy by any means. Sam Curran waged a stunning battle for England and almost looked like taking England home from the jaws of defeat. But some assured death bowling from the likes of Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Hardik Pandya and T Natarajan ensured that England fell short by 7 runs, meaning India won their third trophy of the long tour.
Watch – Virat Kohli’s reaction to Jos Buttler’s wicket
Chasing a total of 330, England were pegged back early as they lost both their openers to Bhuvneshwar Kumar. It was then that England started to revive their innings. However, Shardul Thakur came up with a stunning spell to leave the Englishmen reeling. He picked up as many as four wickets – all of the English middle order to put a spoke on their wheel.
The important one of the lot was that of English skipper Jos Buttler who was trapped in front. The umpire did not give it out initially and it forced Virat Kohli to go for a review. Replays showed three reds and Buttler was sent back on his way. Soon after the decision, Kohli and Krunal Pandya celebrated the wicket in animated fashion as they knew what a big blow it was for England.
