Rohit Sharma was under all kind of pressure before the series as there were reports that the stylish right-hander had not passed the Yo-Yo test. He was somehow included in the squad and many accused that the rules were subverted to include the star player while players like Ambati Rayudu was at the receiving end of it. But then tonight Rohit100(56) answered all critics in stunning fashion, scoring a whirlwind unbeaten century and taking India home to win the series 2-1.
Score England 198(9 wickets, 20 overs)
Score India 201(3 wickets, 18.4 overs)
It was a typical Rohit Innings, stylish and effortless, studded with 5 sixes and 11 fours, ably supported by Captain Virat Kohli. The duo had a long partnership in the middle that virtually shut the door off England. By the time Kohli 43(29)was dismissed, India looked well set to reach the target. Hardik Pandya provided ample support for Rohit with his quick fire 33(14) to finish the match off.
Earlier England had lost the toss and was asked to bat by India. Handicapped by the absence of Bhuvaneshwar Kumar and Jasprit Bumrah Indian seam bowling did take some battering with debutant Deepak Chahar(4-0-43-1)and Umesh Yadav(4-0-48-0) going for plenty.
In fact everyone had gone for over 8 runs per over but Hardik Pandya emerged as the pick of the bowler with impressive figures of 4-0-38-4. It was Jason Roy who was the wrecker in chief scoring a whirlwind 67 off 31 balls with 4 boundaries and 7 sixes. Jos Butler 34(21)and Alex Hales30(24) provided good support and Johny Bairstow gave the finishing touches. But then it proved too less for the pyrotechnics of Rohit Sharma and in the end India won with balls to spare.
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