Our Bureau
Nottingham
England produced a clinical all-round display to thrash India by 125 runs in the third T20 International at Trent Bridge, sealing an unassailable 2-0 lead in the five-match series and handing the visitors their heaviest-ever defeat in T20I cricket.
After posting a commanding 201 for 7, England’s pace attack dismantled India’s batting lineup, bundling the visitors out for just 76 in 11.4 overs. The collapse marked India’s lowest point in the format by margin of defeat, raising serious concerns over the team’s batting approach and adaptability in English conditions.
Phil Salt laid the foundation for England’s imposing total with a fluent 70 off 44 balls, while Sam Curran provided late acceleration with an unbeaten 41. Despite India picking up wickets at regular intervals through Prince Yadav and Harshit Rana, England crossed the 200-run mark with an aggressive finish.
India’s chase unravelled almost immediately as Jofra Archer and Josh Tongue exploited the pace and bounce on offer. Archer removed key top-order batters in a fiery opening spell before Tongue claimed four wickets to complete the demolition. Only four Indian batters reached double figures, with the visitors reduced to 52 for 5 inside the first five overs before folding for 76.
Captain Shreyas Iyer described India’s batting effort as “atrocious,” admitting there were no excuses for the team’s failure to cope with England’s disciplined pace attack. He said the side would need to reassess its approach quickly ahead of the remaining matches.
The emphatic victory underlined England’s dominance throughout the contest, with both bat and ball firing in unison. With two matches still to be played, India will look to salvage pride and address glaring deficiencies before the fourth T20I.
