India registered a massive 10 wickets victory against England in the third test match held in Ahmedabad. India chased the target in 7.4 overs without losing a single wicket in the second innings and took a 2-1 lead in the ongoing four-match series.
The only pink ball test match of the series held at the Narendra Modi Stadium, previously known as the Motera Stadium, was over in just two days, as both Indian and English spinners were able to take wickets at regular intervals.
With the loss, England lost its place in the finals of the World Test Championship. India is now a step closer to the big game, but they must avoid defeat at the final test against England in order to secure the spot for championship final.
England won the toss and elected to bat first, but their batsmen couldn’t take advantage of it and were only able to score 112 runs in the first innings. Axar patel and Ravichandran Ashwin did the job for team India, as both the two all-rounders took six and three wickets, respectively. The Indian pacer, Ishant Sharma, who played his 100th test cricket, took one wicket.
In response, India came out to bat the first innings hoping to score big, but was unable to do so, as England spinners Jack Leach and captain Joe Root re-created what Ashwin and Patel had done for India. Both restricted India below 150 and the hosts were able to take the lead of just 33 runs.
But that small lead was well and enough for India to seal the victory, as the pitch remains the same as in the first innings. England’s second innings was just a replica of their first innings, as they were bowled out for 81 runs – lowest score against India. Axar Patel took a fifer again, while Ashwin took four wickets and Washington Sundar took one. Ashwin picked up his 400th Test wicket, becoming the second fastest to reach the milestone after Muttiah Muralitharan.
The hosts just needed 49 runs in their second innings to complete the formalities. Indian openers Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill chased it in just 7.4 overs without making any mistakes.
The final test will take place in the same venue and will start on 4 March.
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