Sealing a 3-2 win in the five-match series, India defeated England by 36 runs in the fifth and final T20I, at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, on Saturday. The visitors could only muster 188 for eight in 20 overs, in response to India's target of 225 runs. The hosts were in top form, putting in an excellent start after being sent in to bat. Openers Rohit Sharma (64) and Virat Kohli (80) slammed half-centuries to help India reach 224 for two in 20 overs. Captain Kohli was also unbeaten for his side, alongwith Hardik Pandya (39), and the duo finished in style. Suryakumar Yadav also made a noteworthy contribution, adding 32 runs to scoreboard. England's bowling department couldn't really find much form in the fifth T20I, with Adil Rashid and Ben Stokes registering a wicket each. During their chase, the visitors had put in a great start, with Jos Buttler (52) and Dawid Malan (68) scoring half-centuries. It was only after the dismissal of the duo, that it all came crashing down for England. Shardul Thakur was in excellent form for India, taking three wickets and Bhuvneshwar Kumar also registered two dismissals. Meanwhile, Hardik Pandya and T Natarajan took a wicket each. The win is also a bonus for India, and is a good sign of their preparations for the upcoming T20 World Cup
