3rd ODI – India beat England by 5 wickets, win series 2-1
Manchester : Hardik Pandya’s all-round performance and Rishabh Pant’s scintillating first century in 50-over cricket helped India win the three-match series 2-1 as they beat England by five wickets in the third and final ODI at Old Trafford here on Sunday. All-rounder Hardik Pandya (4/24) and leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal (3/60) helped India bundle out England for 259 in 45.5 overs.
Captain Jos Buttler played an important innings for England. Apart from Butler, Jason Roy (41), Moeen Ali (34), and Craig Overton (32) made major contributions with the bat for the hosts. Apart from Pandya and Chahal, Mohammad Siraj (2/66), and Ravindra Jadeja (1/21) were the other wicket-takers for India. Chasing a challenging total, India were in deep trouble at 72-4 in 16.2 overs after losing the wickets of Shikhar Dhawan (1), Rohit Sharma (17), Virat Kohli (17), Suryakumar Yadav (16). But Hardik and Pant batted sensibly, and shared a match-winning 133-run partnership. Pandya was dismissed in the 36th over of the innings when India needed 55 runs.
However, Pant turned even more aggressive and completed his maiden ODI century. He remained unbeaten and combined with Ravindra Jadeja (15 not out) to guide India to a five-wicket win in 42.1 overs. Reece Topley (3/35) was England’s most successful bowler, while Brydon Carrs (1/45) and Craig Overton (1/54) also took a wicket each.
Brief Scores: England 259 all out in 45.5 overs (Jos Buttler 60, Jason Roy 41; Hardik Pandya 4/24, Yuzvendra Chahal 3/60) India won by five wickets in 42.1 overs (Rishabh Pant 125 not out, Hardik Pandya) 71; Rees Topley 3/35).
