Pune, March 28: India held onto their nerves to win the final game of the ODI series, with a seven run-victory over England at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Pune on Sunday.
The decider turned into a thrilling edge-of-the-seat contest as the Men in Blue completed a clean sweep to win the One Day International series 2-1. Prior to this, hosts India had won both the Test and T20I series.
After being put into bat, India got off to a strong start with openers Rohit Sharma and Shikhar Dhawan putting up an opening stand of 103. But the England bowlers pulled off a stunning comeback to restrict India to a modest 329.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar handed India the perfect start as he removed the dangerous Jason Roy and Jonny Bairstow in his first two overs. With England 2 down in three overs, it was a tough ask from the onset. It looked like India’s game, until Sam Curran came to the show.
A blistering knock from Curran saw England taking the decider down to the final over. Curran scored a 95 off 83 to give England a chance. But the Indian bowlers held onto their nerves despite several dropped catches to pull off a 7 run victory.
Here's how the 3rd ODI panned out:
A superb game to bring the curtains down on the series
What a game!! What a series!! Some of the batting power and skill levels from both teams has been unbelievable!!! #INDvENG 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼
— Ian Bell (@Ian_Bell) March 28, 2021
With the series win India have now completed a clean sweep. Sam Curran's fight at the end saw the final game turn into an edge of the seat contest. After winning both the Test and T20I series, India held on to their nerves to win the ODI series 2-1
An edge-of-the-seat contest comes to an end as India hold on to win by 7 runs. Outstanding end to the series as India pick up the ODI series. India have won the Test, ODI and T20I series against England.
FOUR! And its India's game from here on. 8 needed from 1
Two dot balls. Two sixes to win
Single and Curran is on strike. 12 need from the last four to win
Reece Topley on strike
OUT!! All the drama is unfolding in the final over. Wood is run out. Excellent piece finally from India
A superb innings from Curran and dropped chances has given England a fighting chance
Single on the final ball of the over. Curran gets off strike. England need 14 ti win it. Natarajan to bowl the final over
DROPPED AGAIN! India fumbling on the field today. Natarajan drops Curran
Another dropped catch!!! Shardul Thakur the culprit this time! The captain's very unhappy
Misfield - and they take the single. England need 18 off 10.
A dot to begin the 49th over
Hardik Pandya to bowl the penultimate over
A dot to finish the over. 19 needed of the last two
Decision overturned. Wood keeps his wicket.
Huge appeal. Out. But Wood reviews it
Wide: Bhuvi's feeling the pressure
Wood slaps it away for a single. 22 needed off 17
Bhuvi brought into the attack
FOUR!! Superb over for England as 18 runs come off it. England need 23 off 18
Superb over for England. 14 runs already from the over. A ball to go. Shardul is being hammered by Curran
SIX!! And he gets it over the ropes. Sam Curran has put England back in the game. 29 needed off 20
FOUR! Sam Curran capitalising on that dropped catch
SIX!!! In the slot as Curran sends it into the stands. Curran keeps England's hopes up
50 comes up for Curran off 48 deliveries. Maiden ODI half-century for Curran. Curran is playing an important inning for England tonight as the decider hangs in the balance.
Mark Wood the new batsman in
WICKET!! Kohli pulls of a stunning catch at covers as the partnership is broken. Adil Rashid goes for 19 off 22. Fourth wicket for Shardul Thakur this evening
It's in the air! But Rashid is safe as its just short of Krishna at long off