India edge dramatic T20 to draw level in series

A thrilling finish in the second Twenty20 in Nagpur went India’s way as the hosts triumphed by five runs to square the series.

In the end, it came down to England requiring eight runs off the final over. However, an excellent six deliveries from Jasprit Bumrah (two for 20) saw just two scored, as well as the dismissals of both Joe Root and Jos Buttler, as India kept their cool to take the T20 series to a deciding match. 

That England were in the game until the last over, chasing a target of 145, was down to another excellent effort from the bowlers. Skipper Eoin Morgan singled out the way in which England’s quicks adapted to a bare, tacky pitch without a hint of grass.

Moeen Ali backed up his man-of-the-match performance in the first T20 with one for 20 from his four overs. But the pick of the bowlers was Chris Jordan, who took three for 22 which included removing India captain Virat Kohli, MS Dhoni and top-scorer KL Rahul, whose 71 off 47 balls allowed India to post a competitive total of 144-8 off their 20 overs.

Contributions from Root and Stokes looked to have England in box seat. Stokes was bowled by Amit Mishra for nought, only to be reprieved by a front foot no ball, allowing him to play a starring role in a 52-run partnership with Root. 

However, both fell for 38 as the tourists were unable to successfully finish off a game they had controlled for most of the 40 overs. 

"Losing in batsmen hurt us," said Morgan during the post-match presentation. "We were in the driving seat going into the last over. Fair play – Bumrah bowled a match-winning over.

"I'm pleased that we were able to back up our previous performance with the ball. These last two games we have been right on the money, especially today on a wicket that doesn't suit us." 

The decider – at Bangalore on Wednesday – is set to be a cracker.