Earlier, Indian leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal claimed 4 for 47 as the visitors restricted the Englishmen to 246 in 49 overs. Jasprit Bumrah and Hardik Pandya also chipped in with two wickes each. England openers Jonny Bairstow (38) and Jason Roy (23) added 41 for the opening wicket. However, Joe Root (11), Jos Buttler (4) and Ben Stokes (21) all perished cheaply as England lost half their side for 102.
Liam Livingstone led the fightback for England with 33 before Moeen Ali (47) and David Willey (41) added 62 for the seventh wicket to lift the hosts past 200. India would have been confident of chasing down the target at the halfway stage. However, their batting floundered in rather unexpected fashion.
Sharing his thoughts after the defeat, Rohit, said, “We bowled pretty well to start with. They had the partnership in the middle with Moeen and Willey. By no means that target wasn't chaseable but we didn't bat well.”
India again dropped a few catches and Rohit conceded that the team needs to show significant improvement in the department. He said, “Have to take catches, something we've been talking a lot. All in all, we bowled pretty well.”
On the state of the pitch, Rohit said that he was a bit surprised. He commented, “Thought the pitch will get better and better.” On the team combination, he explained, Playing against a team like that, you need to get your five best bowlers and all-rounder. Leaves a long tail. So have to ensure as a top-order, one of the guys bats long.”
India and England will now take on each other in the decider at Old Trafford in Manchester on Sunday (July 17). Sharing his thoug
hts on the same, the Indian captain concluded, “Going to be an exciting one (in Manchester). Have to look at what we need to do better. Have to look at the conditions there and adapt.”
–ByACricketCorrespondent