England has clinched its first-ever T20 international series victory over India, securing the series with a dominant nine-wicket win in the fourth match. This triumph marks India's fifth consecutive defeat in completed T20 matches.
Set a target of 159, England's opening partnership faltered early, but a remarkable unbeaten second-wicket stand of 144 between Harry Brook and Phil Salt saw them comfortably reach the total in just 13.5 overs. Brook scored 79 not out off 35 balls, while Salt contributed 59 not out off 42 deliveries. This performance followed England's strong victories in the preceding two matches of the five-game series, after the first match was abandoned due to rain.
The series defeat intensifies the pressure on Shreyas Iyer, who assumed the T20 captaincy for India in early June. Despite Iyer's valiant unbeaten knock of 80 from 49 balls after India opted to bat, his teammates offered insufficient support. The Indian innings concluded at 158-7, with many batters struggling against England's bowling attack and fielding.
Jofra Archer was instrumental in restricting India's total, finishing with figures of 2-20. He concluded the Indian innings by skillfully flicking the ball onto the stumps to run out batter Axar Patel at the non-striker's end.
The series concludes on Saturday in Southampton, where India, the reigning back-to-back T20 World Cup champions, will aim to avoid a winless series against England.