England completed a dominant 4-0 T20I series victory over India with a commanding 56-run win in the fifth and final match at Southampton, reclaiming the No. 1 spot in the ICC men’s T20I rankings.
Asked to bat first, England piled up a massive 257/3, their third-highest T20I total and highest-ever against India. Jos Buttler returned to top form with a sensational 131 off 64 balls, while captain Harry Brook remained unbeaten on 95 from just 45 deliveries. The pair shared a match-defining partnership as India struggled to contain the scoring despite Shivam Dube’s 2/22.
Chasing 258, India fought hard but finished on 201/8. Ishan Kishan scored 56 off 35 balls, while Tilak Varma smashed 53 from 25 deliveries, but the required run rate proved too steep. Sam Curran led England’s bowling attack with figures of 3/36, ensuring the hosts completed another comprehensive victory.
The series began with the opening match being washed out before England won the remaining four completed games in convincing fashion.
Buttler was named Player of the Match for his brilliant century, while Harry Brook earned the Player of the Series award. Brook said England’s goal after the second match was to become the world’s top-ranked T20I side, a target they achieved with the series-clinching victory.
India captain Shreyas Iyer admitted his side must improve their adaptability and fielding, describing it as a key area for improvement. Former India wicketkeeper Deep Dasgupta also highlighted India’s inconsistent fielding and tactical shortcomings throughout the series.
The two teams will now shift their focus to the three-match ODI series, which begins at Edgbaston on Tuesday.
