India A vs England Lions: 4th ODI - Match Report

India A once again produced a brilliant all-round effort to keep their winning record intact as they beat England Lions by six wickets in the fourth ODI at Thiruvananthapuram. Meanwhile, the hosts are 4-0 ahead in the five-match series.

Rishabh Pant and Deepak Hooda paired well after a good start by KL Rahul to see off a modest target. However, KL Rahul has shown some hint of form after a miserable stint in Australia. This will provide him with a significant confidence boost after the recent controversy.

But the chase didn’t start well for India A as they lost Ruturaj Gaekwad in the second over. Since then, Rahul paired with Ricky Bhui to bail India out from the early loss. However, Bhui departed after adding a 50-run partnership with Rahul. On the other hand, Rahul looked rock solid as he took his time to score runs. However, England Lions bounced back to remove Rahul and Ankit Bawne in quick succession in an attempt to peg back. But Rishabh Pant and Deepak Hooda combined well to take India A home.

Pant was the aggressor of the two playing his natural game as they stitched an unbeaten 120 runs to seal the game. While the southpaw remained not out on 76 runs, Hooda chipped in with run-a-ball 47.

Thakur shine with the ball

Previously, Shardul Thakur wrecked havoc as they single-handedly demolished the England Lions batting unit. The visitors lost four wickets in the first 15 overs to have themselves at 54 for four. Paceman Avesh Khan and Rahul Chahar picked one each while Thakur bagged two. Striving at 55 for four, skipper Sam Billings tried to bail England Lions out alongside young Ollie Pope. The young Pope, who made his debut for England against India last year, showed great determination to see off India’s spinners.

However, Chahar provided the breakthrough removing their skipper Billings. Since then, Pope and Steven Mullaney added another crucial partnership. But once Pope got out it was all over for the England Lions as they bundled out for 221 runs. Shardul Thakur was the pick of the bowlers returning with four wickets while Chahar bagged two wickets.

The fifth and the final game of the series between India A and England Lions is on January 31 (Thursday).