IND vs ENG Ball by Ball Commentary

5:30 PM IST Right then! The third T20I is done and dusted as England move up 2-1 in the series. A lot to ponder for both the teams on batting in the first innings. But India needs to work on their bowling in the second innings. Will they be able to win the 4th one and take the series into the decider. Join us for the 4th T20I on 16th March 2021. That game begins at 1900 local (1330 GMT). Till then cheers and take care.

5:29 PM IST For his fantastic unbeaten knock of 83, Jos Buttler is named the Player of the Match! Buttler says that it is nice to spend time in the middle. Adds that he likes being not out and see the side home. Buttler says that he just felt like a good time to attack when Chahal came on. Tells he is a fantastic bowler and has had great battles against him. Buttler says the first six off Chahal gave him the confidence to take the game on. Adds it was not a straightforward pitch to bat. Buttler says that he just told Morgan how great an achievement it is and how influential he has been in England's white-ball fortunes.

5:27 PM IST England skipper, Eoin Morgan, says that the first half of their bowling was exceptional and adds that taking early wickets makes a huge difference. Morgan says that the wicket stayed similar but feels putting a target is a challenge and one needs to play well. Tells it shows how strong every side is in the world. On Buttler, Morgan says that he is a world-class player and says he is one of the best in the world when opening the batting. Tells he is a great leader in the group and been a good influence. Morgan says Buttler is a great friend of his and says it is a proud moment for him to play 100 games.

5:22 PM IST Indian skipper, Virat Kohli, says that one does not want to play knocks that does not help the team. Adds it was not easy to start as the bowlers were getting something. Feels the key was to get partnerships but rues they got just one that was with Hardik. Tells Buttler got off to a flying start and once he got to 30-35, it was tough to stop hbim. Kohli says that form turns around and adds Rahul is a champion player and adds he is their top player along with Rohit at the top of the order. Kohli says they would have prefered to bowl first but adds they need to embrace what they are told to do if they lose the toss. Credits England's bowlers for the way they bowled. Tells their body language in the second innings was unacceptable as they need more energy when defending 160. Tells they need to figure out which other all-rounder can play the part. Adds they want to give Hardik some more responsiblity.

5:15 PM IST Mark Wood is caught for a chat. Wood says that the two pitches he has played on has had some bounce and hence he has enjoyed it. Wood tells that his role in the team is to bang the wicket as hard and as fast as he can. Wood says that Kohli is a fantastic player, one of the best in the world. Adds it is great to play against great players and test himself. Wood says they have some fantastic death bowlers and they are taking that responsibility while he is trying to take wickets in the middle. Wood says it all depends on what the captain needs from him. Wood says that on this pitch they looked to bowl first and put pressure and glad that it worked. Wood says both teams like to chase but adds he backs his side to do well if they are to bat first in the next game. Wood says he has a friendly competition with Archer but adds they just look to do their job for their side.

5:15 PM IST Earlier in the game, India after being put into bat were in deep waters at 24/3 after the first 6 overs. If not for some late hitting from Virat Kohli who brought up his second fifty of the series India could have ended much below of what they achieved. The star for England was Mark Wood who rocked India early with his 3 wickets. Archer, Jordan and Wood were clobbered during the end but it did not spoil their efforts early on. In the end, their batsmen made a feast of the chase as Buttler and Bairstow finished the things off. Let's hear it from Mark Wood of what he felt about his performance today.

5:09 PM IST Nothing to speak about the Indian bowling as only Washington Sundar looked good as he ended with figures of 1/26. Bhuvaneshwar Kumar was at his best with the ball but was not in the wickets. Rest all the bowlers were a feast for the rampaging Buttler. Chahal bagged a wicket too but was on the expensive side. A bit of sloppy fielding too contributed in India's poor effort with the ball. overall a lot to ponder for Kohli on his bowling strategy while bowling second.

5:05 PM IST Chasing a total of 157 England needed a strong opening partnership. But they lost Roy inside the Powerplay. But Buttler and Malan had other ideas as they combined to stitch a 58-run stand. Though a brain fade led to Malan losing his wicket but Buttler came back to his destructive best as he notched up his 11th T20I fifty to seal the deal byu remaining unbeaten on 83. Bairstow gave him good company as he remained unbeaten on 48. The duo combined for a 76-run stand to take England home with ease.

5:04 PM IST A clinical chase from England there sees them chase down the the target of 157 without breaking a sweat. And who does for them? It is none other than the Fiery Jos Buttler. His powerful innings just snatched away all the hope India had of defending it.

5:03 PM IST FOUR! Bairstow finishes it off in style! Short ball outside off, Bairstow slaps it over covers and gets a boundary to seal the game. ENGLAND WIN BY 8 WICKETS!

5:02 PM IST FOUR! Nicely played! Back of a length delivery outside off, Bairstow pulls it over mid-wicket, in no man's land and gets a boundary.

5:00 PM IST Dot to finish the over. Length ball on middle, Buttler taps it back to Bhuvi.

5:00 PM IST On top of off and middle, Bairstow hits it to deep mid-wicket and gets a run.

4:59 PM IST Good length ball on off, Buttler knocks it to sweeper cover and eases to the other end.

4:58 PM IST Length ball around off, Bairstow punches it to long on and gets to the other end.  Just 9 needed now.

4:58 PM IST FOUR! WHAT A SHOT! Premeditated but gets the result. Bairstow getting back in his touch! Knuckle ball outside off, Bairstow shuffles inside his crease and paddles it over fine leg for a boundary.

4:57 PM IST Good length ball on off, Bairstow taps it towards long on and gets a brace.

4:55 PM IST Length ball outside off, Bairstow punches it to cover and keeps the strike.

4:54 PM IST Good length ball on off, Bairstow defends it.

4:54 PM IST Length ball on off, Buttler punches it to cover for a run.

4:53 PM IST On the pads, Jonny turns it to the leg side for a single.

4:53 PM IST IN THE AIR AND DROPPED! Chahal has made a meal of it! Cross-seam delivery outside off, Bairstow looks to hit it over covers. He gets an outside edge. The ball goes very high in the air in front of third man. Chahal comes in from third man but never looks comfortable under it. He dives but cannot hold onto the catch. Two taken.

4:51 PM IST TOP EDGE AND FOUR! Good length ball on off, Bairstow looks to hit it across the line but gets a top edge which goes over the third man region for a boundary.

4:50 PM IST Good running! Floated on middle, Buttler just glances it towards square leg. They run the first one with intent and get the second as well.  25 needed off 24 balls now.

4:49 PM IST Short around off, Buttler pulls it hard but finds Kohli at short mid-wicket.

4:49 PM IST Short and turning in on middle. Bairstow knocks it to long on and gets to the other end.

4:48 PM IST Flatter on off, Buttler runs it down behind point and eases to the other end.

4:48 PM IST Short on middle and leg, Bairstow pulls it to deep mid-wicket for a run.

4:48 PM IST Short outside off, Bairstow looks to sweep but gets an inside edge onto the pads.

4:46 PM IST DROPPED! Kohli, the skipper, himself has put one down. Floated on middle, Buttler brings out the reverse sweep. He hits it hard and flat but uppish to the right of backward point. Kohli dives to that side but cannot hold onto the catch. The batters take two as the ball goes behind the Indian skipper.

4:45 PM IST Short and turning away, Buttler punches it through cover. The pair show excellent running between wickets and get two.

4:45 PM IST Slightly shorter on off, Bairstow paddles it over fine leg for one.

4:44 PM IST Darted around leg, Bairstow comes inside his stumps and looks to reverse sweep but misses.

4:44 PM IST Good fielding. Floated wide outside off, Buttler premeditates his reverse sweep. He reaches out for it and hits it to the left of point. Washington Sundar there dives and saves runs for his side.

4:43 PM IST Floated on middle and leg, Bairstow sweeps it to deep square leg for one.

4:41 PM IST SIX! Clears the bopundary with ease! Loopy ball on middle, Buttler clears his front leg and then smacks it over long on for a maximum.

4:41 PM IST Flatter ball on middle, Buttler makes room and looks to cut but gets an inside edge back to the bowler.

4:40 PM IST Loopy ball on middle, Jonny flicks it to deep square leg for a single.

4:40 PM IST FOUR! Excellent effort in the deep from Shardul Thakur but in vain! Shortish on the pads, Bairstow works it past the short fine leg fielder. Thakur runs across from deep square leg but fails to stop it as it goes for a boundary.

4:39 PM IST Short ball around middle, Buttler looks to pull but gets an inside edge which goes towards short fine leg for a run.

4:38 PM IST Short ball on middle, Bairstow pulls it to deep square leg for a single.

4:38 PM IST The physio comes out to have a look at Bairstow who got hit on the previous delivery.

4:35 PM IST An inswinger from Kumar Buttler plays it to mid-wicket and there is a yes-no kind of a thing for a single but Bairstow is sent back. He dives back as the throw comes at his end.

4:35 PM IST Fuller on off, Jonny wrists it to long on for a single.

4:34 PM IST Length ball on off, Buttler pushes it off the inner half to long on for a single.

4:33 PM IST Short of good length around off, Buttler punches it to deep covers for a couple of runs.

4:33 PM IST Length ball around middle, Jonny tucks it to leg side for a single.

4:32 PM IST Length ball around off, Bairstow looks to clip it to the leg side but is beaten to get hit high on the thigh pad. Kumar appeals but nothing from the umpire.

4:31 PM IST On middle, turned to mid-wicket for a couple now.

4:30 PM IST Floated on middle, swept away to square leg for a single. 100-up for England.

4:29 PM IST Floated around middle, pushed to the leg side for a brace. A superb running effort.

4:29 PM IST Floated around leg, Buttler looks to play the conventional sweep but cannot get it off the bat. He gets a bit off balance as the ball goes off the pads to the off side. A leg bye taken as the umpire turns down the appeal.

4:28 PM IST Fires on leg, Buttler tucks it to the leg side.

4:27 PM IST FOUR! Daring Buttler! Beautiful stroke! Floated around middle, Buttler goes for the reverse sweep and gets it towards deep point for a boundary.

4:26 PM IST Good length ball on off, Buttler defends it to point for a single.

4:25 PM IST Slower full toss on the pads, Buttler flicks it to deep mid-wicket and takes a couple.

4:25 PM IST Good length ball outside off, punched to point.

4:24 PM IST Good length ball on the pads, Bairstow flicks it to deep square leg for a single.

4:24 PM IST FOUR BYES! This was some pace from Hardik Pandya! Short ball around middle, Bairstow ducks under it. Pant hops but fails to collect and it goes over him for four byes.

4:22 PM IST Fullish ball on off, Buttler drives it to mid off and takes a run.

4:21 PM IST Floated around off, Jos pushes it towards covers for a single. England need 74 in 60 balls!

4:21 PM IST Floated around middle, Bairstow looks to work it to the leg side but gets it off his thigh pad to mid-wicket. A leg bye taken.

4:19 PM IST Jonny Bairstow walks out at number 4!

4:18 PM IST OUT! STUMPED! Malan has a brain fade there. Don't know what he was thinking there. He walks down the track and looks to go downtown. Sundar sees this and drags his length back, Malan still goes ahead with his shot as he misses the line of the ball completely. Pant collects the ball and whips the bails off. No need to go to the third umpire as Malan was well down the track there when the bails were whipped off.

4:17 PM IST Flighted around middle, Buttler works it to mid-wicket and rotates the strike.

4:17 PM IST Floated around off, Malan stays inside his crease and then guides it to point for a single.

4:16 PM IST Flaoted around midlde, clipped to mid-wicket from Buttler for a single.

4:15 PM IST EDGED AND SIX! Short ball around off, Malan goes for the pull but he takes his eyes off as the ball flies off the top-edge over the keeper and into the third man fence for a biggie.

4:14 PM IST Another slower short ball around middle, Buttler pulls it to mid-wicket for a single. He comes back to form with a quick fifty off just 26 balls. 11th in the format for him.

4:13 PM IST A short one around middle, Malan pulls it to fine leg for a single.

4:13 PM IST Fuller and on middle, Malan pushes it down to the bowler from within the crease.

4:12 PM IST Short of good length and outside off, Buttler smashes it powerfully towards deep covers for a single. He moves to 49!

4:11 PM IST Length ball on leg, Malan flicks it off the back foot to deep square leg for a single.

4:13 PM IST A dot to finish! 4 off the over! Flatter and outside off, Buttler looks to go downtown but cannot get under the ball. He chops it back to the bowler.

4:09 PM IST Fuller and outside off, Malan pats it to point and takes a single to bring Buttler on strike.

4:08 PM IST Flatter on off, Buttler pulls it flat to long on for a single as the fielder there takes in on the bounce.

4:08 PM IST Pushed through on off, Buttler pushes it to covers.

4:07 PM IST Floated around off, Malan strokes it down to long off for a single.

4:06 PM IST Fuller on off, turned towards mid-wicket for a single by Buttler.

4:07 PM IST Change in bowling.  Washington Sundar is introduced into the attack now. Washington against Buttler. This will be a key contest.

4:05 PM IST Good length ball on off. Buttler shuffles inside his stumps and turns it in front of square on the leg side. He initially looks for two but has to be content with one.

4:04 PM IST Good length ball outside off, Malan punches it to cover for another single. Good over so far. Just 6 from it can he finish it well?

4:04 PM IST WIDE! Slower bumper. It bounces over Malan's head and Dawid lets it be.

4:03 PM IST Another slower ball on the pads. Buttler turns it to deep square leg and trudges to the other end.

4:02 PM IST Effort ball from Hardik. Malan pulls it away from fine leg for one.

4:02 PM IST Slower ball on middle and off, Buttler looks to defend but the ball comes back in.mIt takes the inner half of his bat and goes to square leg for a single.

4:01 PM IST Hardik starts with a length ball on the pads, Malan flicks it to the leg side for one.

4:01 PM IST Hardik Pandya is introduced into the attack as soon as the fielding restrictions are lifted.

3:59 PM IST FOUR! Pulled away with disdain and in the gap! Flatter and around middle, Buttler rocks on the back foot and then pulls it towards deep mid-wicket for a boundary. England are 57/1 at the end of Powerplay.

3:59 PM IST Fuller on off, Malan pushes it down to long on for a single.

3:58 PM IST On middle, Malan plays it to the leg side.

3:58 PM IST Fuller on leg, Buttler turns it to mid-wicket for a single.

3:57 PM IST FOUR! Buttler is on fire! Roy fell playing a reverse sweep but but takes a boundary! Floated around off, Buttler goes for the reverse sweep and nails it to deep point for a boundary. 50-up for England.

3:57 PM IST Slower and around middle, Malan tucks it to the leg side for a single.

3:56 PM IST IN THE AIR AND JUST OVER! SIX! Short ball and once again Thakur takes the pace off the ball. Buttler pulls it but does not connect with it cleanly. There is a man at deep mid-wicket. He keeps looking, thinks he is in with a chance but not to be. The ball goes over the ropes.

3:54 PM IST Length ball on off, Buttler taps it to cover this time.

3:55 PM IST FOUR! Misfield and that costs India a boundary! Ishan Kishan is the guilty party but that was traveling at the speed of knots. Slower short ball around the body, Buttler smacks his pull to the left of fine leg this time. Ishan Kishan runs to that side, puts a dive, he gets there but the ball goes underneath him and to the fence.

3:53 PM IST FOUR! Poor delivery! Shardul strays on the pads, Buttler tickles it very fine down the leg side. The man at fine leg has no chance as the ball races to the fine leg fence.

3:52 PM IST Good length ball outside off, Malan dabs it to third man for a run.

3:51 PM IST Back of a length ball on middle. Malan hops and taps it to the off side of the pitch.

3:50 PM IST WIDE! Shardul goes too wide outside off. On the wrong side of the tramline. Malan leaves it alone.

3:49 PM IST NOT OUT! Buttler survives a stumping chance! A beauty from Chahal to end the over. Floated around off, Buttler is caught inside the crease as he looks to defend it out. He gets squared up as the ball goes past his outside edge. Pant whips the bails off and asks the umpire. The third umpire is called for and he rules that Buttler's feet were going nowhere when the bails were taken off.

3:49 PM IST Stumping appeal taken upstairs. No excitement from Indians so it suggests Buttler is in. Let's see what the replays have to say.

3:48 PM IST SIX! Buttler has decided that Roy could not but he will take Chahal! Flat and around off, Buttler puts on his dancing shoes on once again and powers it down to long on for and into the fence for a biggie..

3:48 PM IST Floated around off, Malan is off the mark with a single as he nudges it to the leg side.

3:46 PM IST Dawid Malan walks out at number 3!

3:46 PM IST OUT! CAUGHT! Chahal comes on and takes the dangerous Roy! England's lost their first wicket. Tossed up around off and middle, Roy lines up for the reverse sweep. He though fails to get it where he would have liked as the ball goes straight to Rohit Sharma at point. Who dives forward to complete the catch.

3:45 PM IST Floated on leg, turned to mid-wicket for a single.

3:44 PM IST SIX! DISMISSED! Floated around off, Buttler gets under the ball by coming down the track as he lofts it over deep mid-wicket for a biggie.

3:44 PM IST Change in bowling. First one of the innings and it sees spin being introduced into the attack. Yuzvendra Chahal replaces Shardul Thakur into the attack.

3:43 PM IST Roy comes down the track again. Bhuvi this time takes the pace off the ball and bowls it around the pad.  Roy manages to block it. 9 off the over.

3:42 PM IST EDGED AND FOUR!  Unlucky for Bhuvi! Length ball outside off, Roy comes inside his stumps and looks to scoop it over fine leg. It goes off the leading edge over short third man for a boundary. Lucky one for Roy but he won't be complaining.

3:43 PM IST Change in bowling. First one of the innings.

3:41 PM IST FOUR! CLOBBERED! Roy comes down the track to negate the swing. Bhuvneshwar sees Jason charge so pulls his length back. Roy flat-bats it through mid off for a boundary.

3:40 PM IST Extra bounce and that has surprised Roy. Good length ball outside off, it zips off the surface and comes back in a bit too. Roy looks to defend but luckily does not get any bat as he pulls it back inside.

3:39 PM IST This time Buttler manages to push it through covers and gets a single.

3:38 PM IST Play and a miss! Length ball outside off, Buttler looks to hit it on the up but misses.

3:38 PM IST NOT OUT! India lose a review as Roy is once again saved. WICKETS MISSING! Full and sliding on leg, Roy goes for a hit over the cow corner fence but is beaten to get hit on the pads. Thakur there appeals or rather begs to the umpire to raise his finger. The umpire does not agree. Kohli takes the review as the Ultra Edge comes on and it shows a flat line when the ball is close to the bat. Ball Tracker shows wickets to be missing. Roy survives again.

3:37 PM IST Review time! A huge appeal for LBW but the umpire is unmoved. Kohli is convinced and takes it upstairs. Let's see what the replays have to say.

3:35 PM IST Short of good length around off, Roy punches it to covers this time.

3:35 PM IST NOUT OUT! Roy is safe there! Play and a miss there! Short and wide outside off, Roy looks to slash it over point but is beaten as the keeper collects it and scores a direct hit at his end. The third umpire is called for and Roy is safe there.

3:33 PM IST Good length and around off, Buttler plays it to covers where Kohli puts in a dive to save a boundary but cannot prevent a single.

3:33 PM IST Wonderful fielding from Kishan in the deep! Short of good length, Buttler cuts it through point. Ishan there runs to his left and saves a boundary. A couple taken.

3:32 PM IST Banged in on a length and around off, Buttler plays it to point off the back foot this time.

3:32 PM IST Will we spin from the other end, to begin with? Nope! It will be traditional approach as Shardul Thakur is set to partner Bhuvneshwar Kumar first up.

3:30 PM IST Good length and around off, Buttler drives it crisply but it is a long boundary there as the ball won't go past the fence. The fielders mop it up but not before the batsmen take three runs.

3:29 PM IST Another inswinger from Kunar and Roy clips it to deep square leg for a single. England and Roy are underway!

3:29 PM IST Another huge appeal and the umpire is unmoved! Another inswinger from Kumar, Roy misses his clip once again to get hit on the pads. There is a n appeal from Kumar but nothing from the umpire. Probably going down leg.

3:28 PM IST Another length ball and inswinging on middle, Roy looks to clip it but is beaten to get rapped on the pads. A mild appeal from Kumar but the umpire is unmoved.

3:27 PM IST Full and jagging back into Roy, Jason looks to flick it but is beaten to get hit on the pads. The ball was going down leg though.

3:26 PM IST Kumar starts with a length ball around off, Roy pushes it to covers. A hint of swing there.