England secured a commanding seven-wicket victory over India in the fourth men's T20 international at Old Trafford, Manchester, on Thursday, levelling the five-match series at 2-2. Phil Salt starred with an unbeaten 87 off 47 balls, steering the hosts to their target of 167 with 14 deliveries remaining.
India's Innings: A Modest Total
India, electing to bat first, posted 166 for eight in their 20 overs. Captain Rohit Sharma top-scored with 48 off 35 balls, but the innings lacked momentum as England's bowlers maintained disciplined lines. Spinner Adil Rashid was the pick of the attack, claiming two for 26 in his four overs, while Chris Jordan and Sam Curran each took two wickets.
The Indian innings never truly accelerated, with wickets falling at regular intervals. Suryakumar Yadav managed 27 off 22, but the lower order failed to provide a late surge, managing only 25 runs in the final three overs.
England's Chase Powered by Salt
In reply, England lost early wickets, slipping to 14 for two in the third over. But Salt counterattacked with ferocity, hitting 10 fours and four sixes in his innings. He shared a crucial 72-run partnership with Dawid Malan (36 off 28) and an unbroken 81-run stand with Jonny Bairstow (31 off 19) to see England home.
Salt reached his half-century off 31 balls and accelerated thereafter, sealing the win with a six over long-on off Arshdeep Singh. England finished on 170 for three in 17.4 overs.
Series Decider Awaits
The victory sets up a series decider in the fifth T20 at Trent Bridge, Nottingham, on Saturday. England captain Jos Buttler said: "It was a complete performance. Phil played a special innings, and the bowlers set it up nicely. We're looking forward to a big game on Saturday."
India captain Rohit Sharma acknowledged England's superiority: "We were 15-20 runs short. England bowled well and put us under pressure. We need to regroup and come back stronger."
