Twitter Reactions: India lose a thrilling game despite Jadhav, Pandya heroics

Though India sealed the series at Cuttack, the Eden crowd witnessed some exciting cricketing action between India and England. Earlier in the day, it was captain Virat Kohli who won the toss and elected to field first. India made one change with Rahane coming in place of the out of form Dhawan.

England began their innings in style as both Jason Roy and Sam Billings put up a 98 run partnership for the first wicket. Jason Roy continued his great form with his third consecutive half-century in the series. However, Jadeja struck by sending both the openers back to the pavilion in consecutive overs.

Jonny Bairstow scored a fifty while Morgan backed him up well with almost a run a ball 43. Once both got out, Ben Stokes took over and plundered the Indian bowling attack. In a ground where he doesn’t have great memories, Ben Stokes smashed 57 runs from just 39 balls. Woakes also played a good cameo of 34 (19).

England posted a total of 321/8 in their quota of 50 overs. Surprisingly it was Hardik Pandya who was the pick of the bowlers with 3 wickets in his kitty. Bumrah, Bhuvneshwar and Ashwin were quite expensive. Jadeja also got a couple of wickets.

The Indian openers continued to struggle in spite of bringing a change. Both Rahane and KL Rahul were dismissed cheaply inside 6 overs. Men in form, Virat Kohli and Yuvraj Singh showed some promise with a brilliant partnership to stir India out of trouble.

However, just when things seemed to be going fine for India, Virat Kohli got out scoring 55 runs. Yuvraj Singh missed out on a half century as he too failed to recreate the magic from the last game. Dhoni looked good for a moment but ended up edging one to Buttler.

At 173-5, with around 150 runs required, there was little hope for India. However, Kedhar Jadhav and Hardik Pandya displayed fantastic fighting spirit and almost pulled off this run chase. Both combined for a 100 run partnership to take India through.

While Pandya got out, Jadhav took this match to the last over with a wonderful 90 runs from 75 balls. With 16 required in an over Kedar began with a six and a four to set the stage for India. Woakes then bowled 2 dot balls and took the priceless wicket of Jadhav to get England back to the game.

Twitter was quite entertained with another thriller in the cards on Sunday. England ended their winless drought with a win in the dead rubber. Here are some of the amazing Twitter reactions that took place during the course of the game:

https://twitter.com/altcricket/status/823189717076295681

https://twitter.com/altcricket/status/823146806339137537

https://twitter.com/altcricket/status/823131844426235905