Rishabh Pant’s century and Hardik Pandya’s all-round performance led India to a 2-1 series victory over England in Manchester.
After winning the toss, India captain Rohit Sharma decided to put England in to bat. The decision paid off handsomely, as Indian pacers struck at regular intervals. Mohammed Siraj, who took over for Jasprit Bumrah, would dismiss Jonny Bairstow and Joe Root, both of whom walked back for a duck.
The attack would then shift to India, with Jason Roy and Ben Stokes putting on a 54-run stand. However, the pair would return to the pavilion in quick succession. Hardik Pandya dismissed Roy for 41, and the all-rounder struck again to dismiss Stokes for 27. England were now trailing at 74/4.
Both Pant and Pandya take India close to win
For the visitors, a large partnership was critical. And they got it, thanks to Rishabh Pant and Hardik Pandya’s brilliant counter-attack. The pair embarked on a 133-run partnership in only 115 deliveries.
There were some audacious shots, coupled with sensible defending. The pair found it easy to pierce the field at ease, as the England bowlers did not have any answers against their brilliance.
Both Pandya and Pant would bring up their half-centuries and start to up the ante. This would bring about Pandya’s downfall as a brilliant catch by Stokes would bring an end to his incredible knock of 71.
Pant takes India home
There was still work to be done, as India required 55 runs to win. But Rishabh Pant was unstoppable as he led India to victory, scoring his first ODI century. He scorned England’s bowlers, smashing David Willey for five fours in an over.
India would chase down the target in only 42.1 overs to win the series 2-1. It was another feather in the cap of the young wicketkeeper-batter, who is quickly carving out a reputation of thriving under pressure.
