England tightened their grip on the five-match T20I series with a crushing 125-run victory over Team India in the third match at Trent Bridge, opening up an unassailable 2-0 lead after the first fixture was washed out.
With only two games remaining, the reigning T20 World Cup champions can no longer win the series.
Opting to bat first, England posted a formidable 201/7 from their 20 overs. Phil Salt anchored the innings with a sparkling 70 from 44 deliveries, laying the foundation at the top of the order before Sam Curran's unbeaten 41 off just 24 balls powered the hosts past the 200-run mark. Jos Buttler added a valuable 36 as England recovered well despite losing a couple of wickets in quick succession during the middle overs.
India's brightest performer with the ball was debutant Prince Yadav, who impressed with figures of 2-30. He made an immediate impact by dismissing Harry Brook before later removing the well-set Salt. Although the visitors also pulled off three run-outs, they were unable to stem England's scoring in the closing overs.
The chase never gathered momentum as England's pace attack dismantled India's batting lineup. Pursuing a target of 202, the visitors were bowled out for just 76 in 11.4 overs, registering one of their heaviest defeats in T20I cricket. England's bowlers maintained relentless pressure throughout the innings, striking at regular intervals and preventing India from putting together any meaningful partnerships.
The emphatic result leaves England firmly in control of the contest, while India must win both of the remaining matches to avoid a series defeat.
Brief scores:
England 201/7 in 20 overs (Phil Salt 70, Sam Curran 41*, Jos Buttler 36; Prince Yadav 2-30) beat India 76 all out in 11.4 overs (Josh Tongue 4-28, Jofra Archer 3-29, Adil Rashid 2-14) by 125 runs.
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