Ahmedabad: Indian batsmen put up a power-packed performance while Bhuvneshwar Kumar produced a skilful bowling show on a batting paradise as India won the final T20 International against England by 36 runs here on Saturday night to clinch the series 3-2.
Skipper Virat Kohli went on a record-breaking spree as India posted a mammoth 224 for 2 after England captain Eoin Morgan opted to field first. Bhuvneshwar castled Jason Roy with the second ball of the innings, but thereafter Jos Buttler (52 off 34 balls) and Dawid Malan (68 off 46) brought England back into the game with a quickfire 130-run partnership.
It was Bhuvneshwar once again who provided the crucial breakthrough, after which England lost momentum. Bhuvi finished with dream T20 figures of 2 for 15 in 4 overs, while Shardul Thakur (3/45) bagged two wickets in an over for the second match running.
Opening the batting for the first time in the series, Kohli remained unbeaten on a 52-ball 80, with 7 fours and 2 sixes.
During the course of his innings, Kohli overtook Australia’s Aaron Finch as highest run-getter as captain in T20Is.
He also went became the captain with most half-centuries in T20Is, going past New Zealand’s Kane Williamson.
It was Kohli’s 28th half-century in T20Is and 12th as captain in 45 matches.
Kohli and Rohit gave India a rollicking start, putting on 94 in 9 overs before the latter fell for a strokeful 64 off 34 balls, with 4 fours and 5 sixes.
Suryakumar Yadav followed up his sensational debut knock with another gem (32 off 17 balls, 3 fours, 2 sixes), before falling to a spectacular piece of fielding on the boundary line by Chris Jordan who prevented a big hit from going for six and relayed the ball for Jason Roy to take the catch.
Hardik Pandya provided some fireworks in the closing overs to remain unconquered on 39 off 17 balls.
