England secured a comprehensive 75-run victory over India in the fifth T20I at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on Saturday, wrapping up the five-match series 4-1. The visitors posted 221/5 in their 20 overs before bowling out India for 146 in 18.3 overs, capping a dominant tour of the subcontinent.
Buttler and Salt Set the Platform
Captain Jos Buttler led from the front with a blistering 82 off 46 balls, smashing 10 fours and 3 sixes. Opening partner Phil Salt contributed a rapid 55 off 32 deliveries, including 6 fours and 2 sixes, as the pair added 115 runs for the first wicket in just 11.3 overs. Liam Livingstone chipped in with a late cameo of 38 not out off 19 balls, propelling England past the 220-mark.
For India, left-arm wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav was the pick of the bowlers, finishing with 2 for 38 in his four overs, but the rest of the attack struggled to contain England's aggressive batting. Pacer Arshdeep Singh conceded 52 runs in his four overs without taking a wicket.
India's Chase Stalls Early
In reply, India's chase never gained momentum after losing opener Yashasvi Jaiswal for 8 in the second over, caught behind off Reece Topley. Captain Rohit Sharma managed 24 off 18 before being trapped lbw by Adil Rashid, while Suryakumar Yadav made a brisk 31 off 22, but wickets fell regularly.
England's spinners dominated the middle overs. Rashid claimed 3 for 27 in his four overs, and left-arm orthodox Sam Curran took 2 for 19. The required rate climbed steadily, and India's lower order failed to mount any resistance, with the last five wickets falling for just 27 runs.
Series Dominance for England
The victory capped an impressive series for England, who had already secured the T20I rubber after winning the first three matches in Visakhapatnam, Thiruvananthapuram, and Rajkot. India managed a consolation win in the fourth T20I in Pune, but England's overall superiority was evident throughout.
“It's been a fantastic series for us,” said Buttler after the match. “The way the guys have stepped up and performed in these conditions is really pleasing. We've shown great depth in both batting and bowling, and to win 4-1 against a strong Indian side at home is a huge achievement.”
India coach Rahul Dravid acknowledged England's dominance: “They outplayed us in all departments. Our bowling lacked discipline at times, and we didn't build partnerships with the bat. We have a lot to work on ahead of the World Cup.”
Key Statistics
England's total of 221/5 was their highest against India in T20Is, surpassing the 215/7 they scored in Ahmedabad in 2021. Buttler's 82 was his highest score in the format against India, and Salt's 55 was his third fifty of the series. Adil Rashid finished as the leading wicket-taker in the series with 10 scalps at an average of 12.4.
The two teams will now shift focus to the Test series, starting on July 20 in Birmingham.
