England keep T20 series alive despite Varun's fifer

The visitors got their first win of the series thanks to a brilliant effort by the bowlers

- Somshuvra Laha

KOLKATA: There was no flashy start, nor any blockbuster ending. Made by Varun Chakravarthy's lengths and speed variation, England's capitulation wasn't exactly surprising as they slipped from 87/3 in 10 overs to 127/8.

Liam Livingstone stood his ground though, refusing singles as if it was Test cricket, adding 45 with the last two batters and ultimately spelling out the difference in a crucial game as England beat India by 26 runs to win the third T20I in Rajkot on Tuesday.

India have chased down bigger scores in the past. The Rajkot pitch was firm, there was almost no dew, and the outfield had extra legs.

So this was definitely a chance gone abegging, especially after their bowlers once again outdid themselves.

Not for the first time in his career has Varun Chakravarthy returned a five-wicket haul but this was a reflection of the bigger ploy of baffling England with a cocktail of spin.