Jos Buttler's blistering 131 off 54 balls, his first T20 international century in three years, powered England to a 56-run victory over India at Southampton on Saturday. The win completed a 4-0 series clean sweep and propelled England to the top of the T20 world rankings.
Buttler's Record Partnership with Brook
The 35-year-old Buttler struck eight sixes in his innings of 131, sharing an England record T20 partnership of 233 with captain Harry Brook, who remained unbeaten on 95. England posted 257-3, their second-highest total in the format. Buttler, who had been in a lean patch, said, "I am obviously delighted. It's been a little bit of a lean patch for a while. I am really happy to get back to my best and contribute to a brilliant series win."
India's Chase Falls Short
India, who arrived late due to traffic, lost early wickets and never recovered. Ishan Kishan made 56, and Tilak Varma scored 53, but India finished at 201-8. Sam Curran took 3-36 for England. India captain Shreyas Iyer said, "There's a lot to take from this series. The conditions, the awareness... Fielding plays a key role in winning matches. This is one aspect we need to work on."
Match Highlights
Buttler drove over mid-on for the first six, and Brook was dropped on three by Shivam Dube. Brook then hit successive sixes off Prince Yadav. Buttler reached his century by pulling Axar Patel over square leg for six, and after two more sixes off Dube, he was caught by Iyer at mid-off for 131. Sanju Samson, replacing dropped 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, hit two sixes before falling to Curran for 27. Iyer and Kishan added 55 for the third wicket, but Iyer was dismissed by Liam Dawson. Kishan's exit to a brilliant catch by Phil Salt off Adil Rashid ended India's hopes. Buttler took three catches as wicketkeeper.
Upcoming ODI Series
The teams will now play a three-match ODI series starting in Birmingham on Tuesday, which could be Virat Kohli's last in England after retiring from Tests and T20Is.
