India beat England, on track for fourth series sweep

PTI

Birmingham, July 9

Rohit Sharma’s inspirational leadership and an aggressive brand of new approach saw India outclass England by 49 runs in the second T20 International to seal the three-match series with an unassailable 2-0 lead here today.

When ball swings, you definitely enjoy. In the last few years, there is not much help with the ball in England but this year it’s more Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Player of the match

Batting first, India once again showed intent while reaching 170/8, with all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja (46 not out off 29 balls) shining after a sudden collapse of the middle-order on a track full of pace and bounce.

With the ball, Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s (3/15) new-found rhythm in the Powerplay overs was superbly complemented by the skilful duo of Jasprit Bumrah (2/10) and Yuzvendra Chahal (2/10) as England’s innings imploded for a meagre 121 in 17 overs.

If India’s batting has been good in both the games, the bowling has been simply outstanding, with complete domination of England in the Powerplay.

Since Sharma got full-time captaincy, the Indian team is yet to lose a match under him. There has been three clean sweeps — against New Zealand (3-0), West Indies (3-0), Sri Lanka (3-0) — and a fourth against England looks imminent.

With three months left for the T20 World Cup, the playing XI today gave a glimpse of what could be the batting order and its philosophy going forward.The elevation of Rishabh Pant – who made 26 off 15 balls – as an opener alongside Sharma (31 off 20 balls) worked perfectly for India. They hit seven fours and three sixes in the first six overs, an approach that was missing during last T20 World Cup.

Brief Scores: India: 170/8 in 20 overs ( Jadeja 46*, Rohit Sharma 31; Jordan 4/27, Gleeson 3/15); England: 121 all out in 17 overs (Ali 35; Kumar 3/15, Bumrah 2/10, Chahal 2/10).