That is it from this game then! India not only won the T20I series but also the ODI series. The spoils were shared in the Test series. Overall, it has been a tour to remember for the Indians who will now head to Windies. England on the other hand, will be playing an ODI series against South Africa. We hope you enjoyed our company. Until next time, goodbye!
Rohit Sharma is joined by his team-mates to lift the trophy. A good gesture by the skipper, as it is Arshdeep Singh who lifts the trophy. The Indian celebrations have began.
Rohit Sharma, the victorious skipper, is in for a chat. He says that he is very pleased with his side. They aimed to achieve something in white-ball cricket and is really happy about the same. Further adds, he remembers they lost here last time but finally to come and achieve an ODI series win is a commendable effort from the side. Says Pant and Pandya played clinical shots and that did the work for them. Praises Chahal for making a strong comeback in the shortest format after being left out of the T20 World Cup last time around. Adds he always backs the lads because all of them are experienced. Further says, he is very lucky to have the depth at his disposal. The number of games played these days it is a necessity to keep your bench strong.
Jos Buttler, the captain of England says they were short but their bowlers started excellently. Adds he is not concerned about the result, the side has not batted well in longer formats and that's what they will focus on. Mentions Topley has been great throughout the series and is really happy with his growth. Says whenever you give a second chance to a great player it will surely be an expensive mistake. Mentions, Adil Rashid will be very crucial ahead of the West Indies series.
HARDIK PANDYA, WINS THE PLAYER OF THE SERIES AWARD, for his consistentcy throughout the white-ball series. He starts by saying white-ball cricket has a special place in his heart and is glad to excel in this series. Adds it was very important for him to stop the run flow. They were cruising at one point, and it was important to control the game. Adds he likes to bowl the short ones and is happy to take on the challenges throughout. Says he is shameless as a bowler, adds he does not care how much he goes for. Ends by praising the effort of Pant with the blade.
Rishabh Pant WINS THE PLAYER OF THE MATCH AWARD for his maiden ODI ton, who also led his side over the victory line. He starts by saying hopefully he is remembered at Old Trafford for a long time. Says he focused on taking it one ball at a time. Mentions it is always a great feeling to get your side out of trouble. Further adds he focuses on playing as much cricket as he can and gain a lot of experience. Mentions, the bowlers were on the money through the series and hopefully, they remain the same throughout the year.
Stay tuned for the presentation...
Earlier in the day, after being inserted, England put up an average score of 259 on the board! They failed to put up significant partnerships, there were a few batters who got off to starts but none made it big. The hosts also failed to bat out their 50 overs. They began well with the ball but a stunning partnership between Pant and Pandya took the game away.
For England, Topley was absolutely brilliant yet again! He bagged three at the start but for the rest, it was a struggle to take wickets. Also, the sudden change of plan of bowling short was quite surprising by England. The missed chances in the field also did not help their cause. Pant's stumping chance went abegging and then Pandya could have been caught at fine leg. Have to say, it was India who were more hungry for a win and it is them who came out on top.
This innings was only about two men and one partnership! India were reeling at 72 for 4 and were in deep trouble. Pant and Pandya though joined association and played in an attacking manner. The two kept the score board ticking along which never let the pressure build on the two. Pandya was the aggressor and Pant was happy to play second fiddle. The duo added over 100 before Pandya fell. India till then were well and truly on top. Pant then stepped on the gas, Jadeja played as the perfect foil to him. Rishabh got his ton up and the two ensured there were no more wickets to fall and SEALED THE SERIES FOR INDIA!
What a chase! What an amazing chase this was! Take a bow Rishabh Pant! He has played an innings of a lifetime. Absolutely stunning. Walked out when India had lost two early wickets but stayed there till the end. Credit to Pandya too who also batted brilliantly. He too would have loved to have scored a ton but he along with Pant has helped India win a game from a position not many thought they would.
Most wins for India against an opposition - All formats
Sri Lanka - 132
West Indies - 102
England - 100
In over# 43
4
Joe Root 4/0(0.1)
42.1
4
FOUR! Rishabh Pant comes out with a reverse-sweep to finish things off. He removes his helmet and shows a thumbs up to the crowd. He has a smile across his face and why wouldn't he? All of the England players congratulate Pant for his knock. It is tossed up, on off. Pant reverse-sweeps it through backward point for a boundary. INDIA WIN THE GAME BY 5 WICKETS.
In over# 42
1
4
4
4
4
4
David Willey 58/0(7)
41.6
1
Woah! He toys with us now. He does not get 6 boundaries in a row but has surely played an entertaining knock. It is full and on off. Pant flicks it through mid-wicket and crosses for one.
41.5
4
FIVE BOUNDAIES IN A ROW! It is full and on off. Rishabh Pant clears his front leg and drills it down the ground. He gets a boundary at long on. Can he end this in the last ball of the over?
41.4
4
FOUR! Make that four in a row! He is toying with Willey now. Going around the dart board. It is a good length, angled down leg. Rishabh Pant scoops it towards fine leg for a boundary. 8 needed now.
41.3
4
Four, four and four! Three on the trot. Rishabh Pant wants to end things early here. It is full and outside off. Rishabh Pant drives it along the ground through covers for another boundary. 12 more needed now. He can end this in three balls.