Team India scripted history as they thumped England 2-1 to win the ODI series in English conditions after eight years. With the series tied at 1-1 before the final game, both teams were keen to win and take home the series. However, the tourists kept their nerves in a tricky run chase to win the series decider by five wickets at Old Trafford in Manchester on Sunday to lift the trophy.
England were in some early trouble after Rohit Sharma won the toss and opted to field first. Mohammed Siraj, who replaced injured Jasprit Bumrah in the playing XI, struck twice in the second over of the game to reduce the hosts to 12/2. England revived for a brief period after Jason Roy and Ben Stokes led a counterattack.
However, Hardik Pandya’s introduction with the ball helped India make a comeback, dismissing both the set batters. Jos Buttler and Liam Livingstone also staged a small partnership but Hardik once again came to India’s rescue dismissing both of them in a single over. A telling contribution from Craig Overton in the lower order helped England post 259 runs on the board.
Rishabh Pant-Hardik Pandya guide India to famous win
In reply, Reece Topley once again knocked over India’s top order, reducing them to 38/3 With Rohit Sharma, Shikhar Dhawan and Virat Kohli all back in the hut. But Rishabh Pant started to revive the innings. After a small partnership with Suryakumar Yadav, Pant and Hardik Pandya stitched together a 133-run partnership to take India close to victory.
Although Pandya got out after a well-made 71, the visitors raced home in 42.1 overs as Pant changed gears in the end. He remained unbeaten on 125 off 113 deliveries, including 13 boundaries and two sixes.
After the famous win, most of the Indian players took to their Instagram handles to share snapshots of the team’s celebrations
Here are some of the reactions:
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