ENG vs IND 2018, 3rd T20I: Rohit Sharma's Hundred Help India Take Series Home

Team India thrashed England by seven wickets to seal the three-match T20I series by a 2-1 margin in Bristol.

The victory was built primarily around a sensational century from the blade of Rohit Sharma. He was due for runs, and the Hitman performed on the most important day of the series. The right-hander smashed the English bowlers all around the park and ensured India chased the target of 199 with more than an over to spare. Early in the day, England scored a competitive 198 on the board.

The England openers began quite brilliantly and raced off to 94 in just seven odd overs. Jason Roy, in particular, smacked the Indian bowlers all around the park. Roy smashed seven sixes and four fours during his knock of 67 off just 31 deliveries.

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However, it was Jos Buttler who started the carnage for the home team. When Roy began hitting, no other player was in the picture. He got dismissed with the score reading 94. The hosts reached 100 in the 9^th over, and a score of 220 looked well within sights.

The Indian bowlers came back strongly in the back end of the innings to halt the English progress. In a small ground like Bristol, a score of 198 was par or just above par. But given the batting line-up, it didn’t look like a too tall order.

Rohit finally roared back to form

Rohit Sharma was due for runs, and he delivered when it mattered the most. He was quite sublime and showed his class on a big day yet again. Several people were questioning whether it was time for KL Rahul to start opening with Dhawan. However, with his innings, there is no doubt about the fact that Rohit is the best bet in the opening slot.

Rahul and Rohit shared a good partnership before Rahul got dismissed in a bid to score quick runs. Chris Jordan completed a sensational running catch which ended his knock.

Captain Kohli then joined Rohit in the middle. The duo batted quite superbly, and some of the shots had class written all over it. Rohit became the 2^nd ever batsman in world cricket to smash three T20I centuries after Colin Munro.

Following the dismissal of Kohli, Hardik Pandya came out in the middle to join the Hitman. Hardik came all guns blazing and smashed four fours and a couple of sixes during his unbeaten knock of 33 off just 14 deliveries.

It was his big six which sealed the match for India. They will be a delighted unit after a thoroughly professional performance in the ODI format.

Brief Scores

England 198/9 in 20 overs (Jason Roy 67, Hardik Pandya 4/38)

India 201/3 in 18.4 overs (Rohit Sharma 100*, Virat Kohli 43, David Willey 1/37)

India won by seven wickets (with eight balls remaining)