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Bristol
England produced a commanding all-round display to defeat India by nine wickets in the fourth T20 International at the County Ground in Bristol, sealing an unassailable 3-0 lead in the five-match series and registering their first-ever bilateral T20I series victory over India. Chasing a modest target of 159, the hosts completed the task with 37 balls to spare, powered by an unbeaten 146-run partnership between captain Harry Brook and opener Phil Salt.
Brook led from the front with a scintillating 79 not out off 35 deliveries, while Salt remained unbeaten on 59 from 42 balls. Their aggressive stroke play dismantled India’s bowling attack after England had lost an early wicket, ensuring a comfortable chase and underlining the hosts’ dominance throughout the contest.
Earlier, India struggled to build momentum after opting to bat first and finished on 158 for seven in their allotted 20 overs. Captain Shreyas Iyer was the lone bright spot, carrying his bat with an unbeaten 80 off 49 deliveries. However, a lack of support from the top and middle order prevented India from posting a competitive total. England’s bowlers, led by Jofra Archer and Josh Tongue, kept the visitors under constant pressure with disciplined spells.
The defeat marked India’s fifth consecutive loss in completed T20 internationals and highlighted the team’s ongoing struggles with both bat and ball during the tour. England, meanwhile, continued their impressive run under Brook’s captaincy, extending their winning streak and reinforcing their credentials as one of the world’s strongest T20 sides.
With one match remaining in Southampton, England will now aim to complete a series whitewash, while India will look to restore pride and end the tour on a positive note after an otherwise disappointing campaign.
