Bairstow and Stokes firepower helps England level on the series
England team dominated the batting department as they chased a total of 337 in just 43.3 overs. Opener Bairstow didn’t miss his century this time and contributed 124 runs for this brilliant run chase. This time Ben Stokes missed his century by only one run. England batsmen send the ball in every part of the ground as they hit 20 sixes and 24 fours. Ben Stokes added 10 sixes to his tally whereas Bairstow sends the ball 7 times in the stands.
England won the toss again as usual and opted to bowl. India put a total of 336 with the help of Rahul’s 108 and Pant’s 77. Kohli also contributed with 66 to put a good total for the Englishmen. Despite being expensive, Tom Curran took 2 wickets.
England dominated the run chase from the very beginning. England’s first wicket fell in the 17th over in the name of Jason Roy. Rohit’s brilliant fielding helped India to get a breakthrough by the runout. The Roy-Bairstow partnership added 110 in just 16 overs. The stage was set for Ben Stokes as he came and started hitting the ball everywhere.
The Indian skipper said in his press conference that the due was not a factor and also appreciated the Englishmen batting. He added “I think we set up quite a decent total. It was going to be challenging if we stayed in the game for long periods. We started well with the new ball, with our lines and lengths but England found a way to hang on and got a century partnership. We did falter a bit at times but mostly, that was some of the best hittings that you’ll ever see. We never had a chance during their partnership (Stokes-Bairstow), that’s how good they were.”
Jos Buttler England’s captain said “Delighted with the response of the guys. We put in a very good bowling performance to restrict India to that total. I am delighted that we continued to commit to the fashion we want to play our cricket.”
England is now level in the series. The last match which will be the series decider for the ODIs will be played on 28th of the march. England will be trying to end this campaign by at least taking the ODI trophy home as they lost the Test and the T20 series.