When Hardik Pandya, India’s vice‑captain, smashed a blistering 53 off 30 balls, India sealed a 15‑run victory over England at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Pune on January 31, 2025.
The fourth T20I of the England tour of India 2025 saw the hosts post 181/9 in their full quota, then bowl England out for 166 in 19.4 overs. The win pushed the series score to an unassailable 3‑1, extending India’s home dominance to a remarkable 17‑straight T20I series victories dating back to 2019.
Series backdrop and stakes
England arrived in India after a mixed T20I campaign in Australia, hoping to reverse the trend on sub‑continental soil. The tour’s first three matches had been a tight seesaw – England took the opening game, India claimed the second, and the third ended in a nail‑biting finish with the hosts prevailing by two wickets. With the series hanging in the balance, the fourth match became a make‑or‑break opportunity for the visitors.
From a statistical angle, the series represented a key data point for both sides. India entered the match with a 16‑series home winning streak, while England’s T20I win‑loss ratio in the sub‑continent was 7‑12 over the past three years. The result would therefore be a litmus test for England’s adaptability to spin‑friendly pitches.
Batting fireworks from the Indian line‑up
The innings swung open when Shivam Dube struck a rapid 53 off just 34 deliveries, peppering the park with seven fours and two sixes at a strike rate of 155.88. Not to be outdone, Pandya’s own 53 came from a mere 30 balls, featuring a blistering 176.66 strike rate, four fours and four sixes. Their partnership set the tone for a total that hovered just above 180, a figure traditionally enough to pressure any T20I side.
Middle‑order contributions from Rinku Singh (30 off 26) and Abhishek Sharma (29 off 19) added vital momentum. The innings featured ten extras – three leg‑byes, five wides and two no‑balls – that nudged the total to 181/9.
England’s collapse and the spin masters
England’s chase began brightly, surging to 62/0 within the first six overs. But the tide turned sharply when the duo of Ravi Bishnoi and Harshit Rana each rattled three wickets, dismantling the top order.
Bishnoi’s variations – a mix of leg‑breaks and deceptive slower balls – claimed the wickets of Jos Buttler, Harry Brook and Liam Livingstone, while Rana’s pace and accurate line removed Ben Duckett, Jacob Bethell and Jamie Overton. Their combined figures (6/43 in 7.4 overs) were instrumental in the dramatic collapse that saw England fall to 166 all out.
Key figures and moments
- Run rate: India 9.05 runs per over; England 8.38.
- Series lead: 3‑1 in favour of India, series clinched.
- Home streak: 17 consecutive T20I series wins at Indian venues since 2019.
- Stadium capacity: Approximately 55,000 spectators at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium.
- Umpiring crew: Nitin Menon and Virender Sharma on‑field; Rohan Pandit (third umpire); Javagal Srinath (match referee).
Reactions from the dugout and experts
India’s captain Suryakumar Yadav praised his bowlers: “The spin trio did a fantastic job of applying pressure when we needed it most. Bishnoi and Rana showed why they’re key pieces in our plan for home series.”
England’s skipper Jos Buttler was more measured: “We had the platform, but the Indian bowlers executed their plans brilliantly. We’ll go back, regroup, and try to finish the tour on a high note.”
Cricket analyst Harsha Bhogle noted, “What we saw in Pune is the hallmark of a side that knows its home conditions inside out. The spin partnership’s ability to turn the ball sharply and vary pace is a textbook case for aspiring T20 bowlers.”
Implications for the final showdown
With the series already secured, India can afford to experiment in the fifth and final T20I scheduled for early February in Delhi. Young talents like Arshdeep Singh and Varun Chakravarthy may receive extended spell duties, offering the selectors a glimpse of future combinations.
England, meanwhile, will likely rotate a few senior players to manage workload ahead of the upcoming ICC World Cup qualifiers. Their focus will shift toward regrouping, especially fixing the middle‑order vulnerability that the Pune pitch exposed.
Historical perspective: India’s home T20 dominance
Since the 2019 home series win against the West Indies, India has never slipped in a home T20I series. The streak includes clean sweeps against Australia (2022), South Africa (2023), and a hard‑fought series win over New Zealand (2024). Each victory has reinforced the notion that Indian pitches, especially those favouring spin, are Fortress India for the shortest format.
Analysts often cite the combination of aggressive batting depth and world‑class spin as the twin pillars of this dominance. The Pune match added another chapter, underscoring that the emerging spin talent (Bishnoi, Rana) can match the pedigree of veterans like Yuzvendra Chahal.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does this win affect England’s T20I rankings?
The defeat drops England three places in the ICC T20I rankings, moving them from 5th to 8th. The loss also hurts their confidence ahead of the World Cup qualifiers, where every ranking point matters for seeding.
Which Indian players are likely to retain their spots for the final T20I?
Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Rinku Singh and the spin duo of Ravi Bishnoi and Harshit Rana have cemented their places. Young pacer Arshdeep Singh, who bowled economically, is also in strong contention for the last match.
What made the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium a challenging venue for England?
The pitch offered extra turn from the fourth over onward, allowing spinners to grip and bounce. Coupled with a short boundary in the mid‑wicket area, it forced England’s batters to take risks early, leading to a cascade of wickets.
Who were the officials overseeing the match?
The on‑field umpires were Nitin Menon and Virender Sharma, with Rohan Pandit serving as the third umpire. Veteran Javagal Srinath acted as the match referee, ensuring the game ran smoothly.
What is the significance of India’s 17‑series home winning streak?
It underscores India’s mastery of home conditions across formats. The streak, stretching from 2019 to 2025, has seen India dominate traditional powerhouses, reinforcing the venue’s reputation as a fortress for the side.