England posted a formidable 257/3 in 20 overs against India in the fifth and final T20I of the series at The Rose Bowl in Southampton on Saturday. Jos Buttler and Harry Brook were the architects of the carnage, with Buttler smashing 131 off 64 balls and Brook remaining unbeaten on 95 off just 35 deliveries.
India's Early Breakthrough Fails to Stem the Flow
India won the toss and elected to bowl on a batting-friendly surface. Prasidh Krishna provided an early breakthrough, dismissing Phil Salt for 6 in the second over. However, that was the only moment of success for the visitors as England's batters took complete control.
Skipper Harry Brook, coming in at No. 3, attacked from the outset and joined forces with Buttler to rebuild the innings. The pair negated India's bowling attack with aggressive stroke play, taking England to 62/1 at the end of the Powerplay.
Buttler and Brook Accelerate After Powerplay
Once the field restrictions eased, Buttler and Brook accelerated further, targeting India's bowlers with relentless boundary-hitting. The duo took on the spin combination of Axar Patel and Suryansh Shedge, finding gaps with ease and clearing the ropes regularly.
England brought up their 100 in the 10th over, which saw Axar being clubbed for 25 runs. The pair also brought up their 100-run stand in the same over, as England stood at 111/1 after 10 overs.
Brook and Buttler Unleash Onslaught
England crossed the 140-run mark in the 13th over. Brook unleashed his onslaught on Shedge, smashing him for 24 runs in the 14th over. Buttler then got in the act and attacked pacer Prince Yadav, slamming 21 runs in the 15th over.
Buttler brought up his century in 51 balls with a six off Axar Patel in the 16th over, which also yielded 20 runs as England reached 209 in 16 overs.
Late Wickets Provide Little Respite for India
Shivam Dube provided India with back-to-back breakthroughs in the 19th over, dismissing Buttler and Jacob Bethel on consecutive deliveries. However, it was too late for the visitors as England reached 247/3 in 19 overs.
Buttler led the charge with a sensational 131 off 64 balls, smashing 12 fours and eight sixes. Brook provided equally explosive support, remaining unbeaten on 95 off just 35 balls with eight sixes and four boundaries.
England Look to Clinch Series 4-0
England finished their quota of 20 overs with 257/3, looking set to clinch the five-match series 4-0. India headed into the contest after disappointing performances in the previous three completed matches. With the opening game ending in a no result, they trail the series 3-0 and are playing for pride in the Southampton T20I.
Indian bowlers had a tough outing in Southampton. Arshdeep Singh (0/33 in 4 overs) and Prasidh Krishna (1/38 in 4 overs) were the only bowlers who managed to go under 10 runs per over.
