India Dominates Final T20 with Stellar Performances from Varma and Pandya

India Secures Victory in Final T20 Match

Ahmedabad: Despite a challenging outing for captain Suryakumar Yadav, who struggled with the bat, India posted an impressive total of 231 for 5 in the fifth and final T20 International held in Ahmedabad on Saturday. The innings was bolstered by explosive half-centuries from Tilak Varma and Hardik Pandya, along with a solid start from Sanju Samson.

Samson, stepping in for the injured vice-captain Shubman Gill, opened the batting and scored a quick 37 runs off 22 balls, forming a 63-run partnership with Abhishek Sharma, who contributed 34 runs off 21 deliveries. With the series already in their favor at 2-1, the hosts began strongly.

The dismissals of Abhishek and Samson did not hinder the team's progress, as Varma continued to dominate with a score of 73 runs from 42 balls. Meanwhile, Suryakumar Yadav managed only 5 runs before being dismissed.

Varma and Pandya then combined for a remarkable 115-run partnership for the fourth wicket, propelling India past the 200-run mark. Pandya's explosive innings included five fours and five sixes, achieving a strike rate exceeding 250.

In terms of team changes, India welcomed pacer Jasprit Bumrah back into the lineup, replacing Harshit Rana, while Washington Sundar took the place of Kuldeep Yadav. Samson was included in the squad due to Gill's injury.

Brief scores:

India 231 for 5 in 20 overs (Abhishek Sharma 34, Sanju Samson 37, Tilak Varma 73, Hardik Pandya 63; Corbin Bosch 2/44).