India’s worrying T20I run took another sharp turn at Trent Bridge, where England powered to a huge victory in the third match of the series. Chasing 202, India were bowled out for just 76, their second lowest total in T20 internationals, as Jofra Archer and Josh Tongue tore through the batting order with serious pace and control.
The result marked India’s heaviest defeat in T20I cricket and their fourth straight loss in the format. For a side that arrived in Ireland with a 16 series or tournament unbeaten streak, the fall has been sudden. They now need to win the final two matches against England to avoid a second consecutive series defeat.
India had reasons to feel confident early on. Shreyas Iyer won the toss and chose to bowl first, and the visitors kept striking at regular stages. England still reached 202, led by Phil Salt’s 70 from 44 balls. Salt was not fluent at the start, but he grew into the innings and helped England build a strong platform. Sam Curran also played a valuable hand with 41 from 24 deliveries, while Prince Yadav stood out for India with 2 for 32.
The chase began aggressively, with India hitting three sixes in the first nine balls. But the high risk approach quickly collapsed under pressure from England’s fast bowlers. Abhishek Sharma became Tongue’s first T20I wicket, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi fell to Archer’s bounce, and Ishan Kishan and Shreyas Iyer followed soon after. When Axar Patel edged Archer behind, India were 52 for 5 inside five overs.
There was no recovery from there. Will Jacks removed Tilak Varma through a smart stumping by Jos Buttler, before Tongue returned to dismiss Shivam Dube and Harshit Rana. Tongue finished with career best T20 figures of 4 for 28, while Archer took three wickets.
Earlier, Prince Yadav gave India some hope by removing Buttler and Harry Brook, then bowling a strong 19th over. But England’s total proved far beyond India, who now face serious questions over form, balance and confidence.
