Shivam Dubey (Image credit: X)
New Delhi: India got off to the perfect start in the fifth and final T20I against England by dismissing Phil Salt early at The Rose Bowl in Southampton. But just a few overs later, a costly fielding error from Shivam Diop handed England captain Harry Brook a lifeline.The incident occurred in the sixth over of England’s innings. Fast bowler Prince Yadav bowled a short delivery outside off stump, and Brook went for a big pull shot. Instead, he got a thick upper rim that rose high into the air. It looked like a straight catch for Dube, who ran back from the field.
However, he failed to judge the ball correctly and wasted the great opportunity. The missed opportunity proved to be a major turning point.Brook was still in the early stages of his innings and took full advantage of the reprieve. He went on to smash an unbeaten 95 off just 46 balls, while Jos Buttler scored 131 off 64 deliveries.The duo put together a stunning 233-run partnership for the second wicket, helping England score a massive 257 runs.
India’s poor performance did not end there. Dube later dismissed Buttler in the 19th over, but by then the England captain had already done the damage.
Brook was also dropped again on 90 by Ishan Kishan.
England completes its series sweep 4-0
Chasing a challenging target of 258, India started strongly but could only manage 201/8 in their 20 overs despite half-centuries from Ishan Kishan (56) and Tilak Varma (53).England recorded a 56-run victory to complete a 4-0 sweep in the five-match series.The defeat also cost India the top spot in the ICC Men’s T20I Rankings. England went top after extending India’s losing streak in T20Is to six matches.