England vs India 3rd T20I turned into a one-sided contest as England registered a commanding 125-run victory after bowling India out for just 76 while defending a target of 202. Powered by Phil Salt’s brilliant 70 and a clinical bowling display led by Josh Tongue, the hosts dominated every department to take control of the five-match T20I series.
England posted an imposing 201/7 in 20 overs, while India’s batting lineup crumbled under pressure and was dismissed in just 11.4 overs, handing the visitors one of their heaviest defeats in T20 International history.
India Register Their Biggest-Ever T20I Defeat
The loss was a historic low for India in T20 Internationals. Chasing 202, the batting order failed to build any partnerships as wickets fell at regular intervals. India were bundled out for 76, making it their second-lowest total in T20I cricket. Their lowest remains 75.
The margin of defeat-125 runs-also became India’s largest defeat in T20I history by runs. Their previous biggest loss was an 80-run defeat against New Zealand in 2019.
The result also gave England a 2-0 lead in the five-match series, with one earlier match ending without a result due to rain. India now face a must-win situation heading into the fourth T20I scheduled for 9 July.
Phil Salt Anchors England’s Strong Total
After India captain Shreyas Iyer won the toss and chose to field, England made an aggressive start despite losing Tom Banton for a first-ball duck.
Opener Phil Salt played the defining innings of the match, scoring 70 runs from 44 balls, including seven fours and three sixes. He reached his half-century in only 36 deliveries, keeping the scoreboard moving throughout the innings.
Jos Buttler provided early momentum with an entertaining 36 off 21 balls, striking four boundaries and two sixes before being bowled by Prince Yadav.
Captain Harry Brook contributed 16, while Jacob Bethell added 13. Will Jacks chipped in with a quick 14 before being run out.
In the closing overs, Sam Curran remained unbeaten on 41 from 24 balls, hitting four boundaries to help England cross the 200-run mark.
England finished with 201/7, setting India a challenging target.
India’s Bowlers Show Brief Promise
Despite England’s big total, there were a few positives for India’s bowling attack.
Harshit Rana and Prince Yadav picked up two wickets each, while Axar Patel claimed one wicket. However, England’s middle and lower order accelerated effectively in the final overs, preventing India from restricting the total below 200.
Josh Tongue and Archer Rip Through India’s Batting
India’s chase never gained momentum as England’s pace attack struck early and continued to dominate.
Fast bowler Josh Tongue starred with four wickets, while Jofra Archer claimed three. Veteran leg-spinner Adil Rashid picked up two wickets, and Will Jacks added one to complete a clinical bowling performance.
India lost wickets in quick succession, with no batter managing to settle at the crease.
Openers Abhishek Sharma and Vaibhav Suryavanshi both showed brief attacking intent, scoring 10 and 13 respectively, but failed to convert their starts.
Ishan Kishan scored 13, while captain Shreyas Iyer managed only 5. Tilak Varma was dismissed for 3, Axar Patel made 10, and Harshit Rana added 9, but none of the batters could resist England’s relentless bowling attack.
The innings ended in the 12th over, sealing a memorable victory for the home side.
Also read: who is James Coles: Meet England’s Rising All-Rounder Who Earned His Maiden ODI Call-Up
England vs India 3rd T20I-Playing XI
India
Vaibhav Suryavanshi, Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan, Shreyas Iyer (captain), Tilak Varma, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Harshit Rana, Varun Chakravarthy, Prince Yadav, Arshdeep Singh.
England
Phil Salt, Jos Buttler, Harry Brook (captain), Jacob Bethell, Tom Banton, Sam Curran, Will Jacks, Liam Dawson, Adil Rashid, Jofra Archer, Josh Tongue.
What This Result Means
England‘s convincing victory has shifted the momentum firmly in their favour. With a 2-0 lead in the series, the hosts are now in a strong position heading into the fourth T20I.
For India, the defeat raises serious questions about their batting approach and ability to handle quality pace bowling under pressure. The visitors will need a significant improvement in both batting and execution if they hope to keep the series alive in the remaining matches.
