England secured a historic nine-wicket victory over India in the fourth T20I in Bristol on Thursday, taking an unassailable 3-0 lead in the five-match series. This marks the first time England have won a bilateral T20I series against India involving two or more matches.
Dominant chase by England
Chasing a modest target of 159, England's batters made light work of India's bowling attack. Harry Brook smashed 79 off just 35 balls, laced with eight fours and four sixes, while Phil Salt contributed a steady 59 off 42 deliveries. The hosts reached the target in just 13.5 overs, losing only one wicket.
England's victory was their third consecutive win after the opening match was washed out due to rain. The series win is a significant achievement, as India had won five of their previous six bilateral T20I series against England, with one drawn.
India's batting struggles
Earlier, India managed 158/7 in their 20 overs, despite a fighting unbeaten knock of 80 off 49 balls from captain Shreyas Iyer. Iyer lacked support from the other end as England's bowlers kept the visitors in check. Young opener Vaibhav Sooryavanshi fell for 15 off 10 balls, dismissed by Jofra Archer.
Archer and Josh Tongue were the pick of England's bowling attack, each taking two wickets. The Indian innings never gained momentum, with wickets falling at regular intervals.
Historic series loss for India
This defeat marks the second series loss under new captain Shreyas Iyer, who continues to search for his first victory as India's T20I skipper. Before this tour, India's last bilateral series defeats against England across formats came during the 2018 tour, when they lost the ODI series 2-1 and the Test series 4-1. Since then, India had enjoyed a dominant run, winning eight of their 10 bilateral series, with the remaining two being drawn Test series in England.
With the series already decided, India will look to salvage pride in the final T20I, while England aim to complete a comprehensive series victory.
