Wicketkeeper-batter Jos Buttler showcased his best form by scoring 131 runs, while Harry Brook contributed an unbeaten 95 as England set a formidable total of 257/3 against India in the final T20I at The Rose Bowl in Southampton. Buttler’s aggressive play, including 12 fours and eight sixes, at a strike rate of 204.69, put India on the back foot. Brook, falling just short of a century, played a dazzling innings with four fours and eight sixes, forming a remarkable 233-run partnership with Buttler.
India’s decision to bowl first backfired as Buttler and Brook dominated the Indian bowlers, leaving them helpless. Despite an early wicket of Phil Salt by Prasidh Krishna, India struggled to contain the English duo’s onslaught. Brook’s rapid half-century off 19 balls set the tone, while Buttler accelerated after reaching his fifty, punishing the Indian bowlers all around the ground.
India’s fielding woes added to their misery, with missed catches giving Buttler and Brook crucial lifelines. Buttler’s century off 52 balls, highlighted by a pulled six off Axar Patel, further demoralized the Indian team. Although Buttler fell in the 19th over, England’s total was boosted by contributions from Will Jacks and Brook. Despite Shivam Dube’s 2-22, India’s bowlers struggled, with Axar conceding 63 runs in his four overs, his most expensive T20 spell.
