India's Ravi Bishnoi set an unwanted record during the second T20I against England in Chennai, conceding 29 runs in the 17th over—the most runs ever given up by an Indian bowler in a T20 International. The expensive over proved costly as India lost the match by five wickets, with England chasing down 176 with two balls to spare.
Bishnoi's Record-Breaking Over
Bishnoi, a leg-spinner known for his economical bowling, was taken apart by England's Liam Livingstone and Sam Curran. The over began with a wide, followed by a six over deep midwicket from Livingstone. Curran then smashed a six over long-on, and Livingstone hit another six over long-off. A single, a four, and a dot ball ended the over, but the damage was done. The previous record for most runs conceded by an Indian in a T20I over was 28 runs, held by Yuzvendra Chahal against South Africa in 2018.
Match Summary
India, batting first, posted 175 for 5, thanks to a brisk 73 from Suryakumar Yadav. England's chase was anchored by Jos Buttler's 68 and Livingstone's 42 off 27 balls. The match went down to the wire, with England needing 10 runs off the final over, bowled by Arshdeep Singh. Sam Curran hit a six and a four to seal the win.
According to match officials, Bishnoi's over turned the momentum. "It was a game-changing over. Bishnoi usually bowls well in the death, but today he missed his lengths," said a team analyst. England's captain Jos Buttler praised his team's composure. "We knew we had to target one over, and it came off. Credit to the batters for executing the plan," he said after the match.
Impact on Series
The loss leveled the five-match series at 1-1, with India having won the first T20I. The next match is scheduled for July 7 in Rajkot. India's bowling coach expressed concern over the death bowling. "We need to work on our yorkers and variations. Bishnoi is a quality bowler; this is a learning experience," he said. Bishnoi's figures of 1 for 46 in 4 overs were his most expensive in T20Is.
Statistical analysis shows that Bishnoi's economy rate of 11.50 in the match was well above his career average of 7.20. The 29-run over included four sixes and a four, with Bishnoi bowling full tosses and short balls that were easily dispatched. England's aggressive approach in the middle overs paid off, as they scored at nearly 10 runs per over between overs 10 and 17.
Looking Ahead
India will look to bounce back in Rajkot, with potential changes in the bowling attack. Bishnoi is likely to retain his place, given his past performances. The series remains evenly poised, with both teams having strengths and weaknesses. For England, the win boosts confidence ahead of the T20 World Cup next year.
