PUNE, India — India clinched the T20 series against England with a 15-run victory in the fourth match, despite a controversial Reuters decision involving a concussion substitute. Harshit Rana made an impressive debut, taking 3-33 while stepping in for Shivam Dube, who left the field after being struck on the helmet by a bouncer from Jamie Overton.

Batting first, India posted a competitive total of 181-9 after recovering from an early collapse. Dube and Hardik Pandya both scored 53 runs, contributing significantly to a vital partnership of 87 runs off 45 balls, which stabilized the innings after a rough start.

England, in pursuit of 182 runs, fell short, being bowled out for 166 with two balls remaining. England captain Jos Buttler criticized the decision to allow Rana to replace Dube, stating, "It's not a like-for-like replacement. We don’t agree with that." He remarked, "I still think we should have gone on to win the match, but we disagree with the decision," underscoring the tactical implications of the substitution rules.

Despite the controversy, Rana's performance proved crucial as he dismissed key England players, including Jamie Overton, to help secure the series with an unassailable 3-1 lead. England fast bowler Saqib Mahmood notably troubled the Indian batting order with his debut performance, claiming three wickets, which initially put India on the back foot.

After a shaky start, in which India was reduced to 12-3 in the second over, the partnership between Dube and Pandya shifted the momentum. Prior to Rana's introduction, Ravichandran Ashwin and Axar Patel worked through the England innings, with the former taking three dismissals, including Jos Buttler, solidifying India's defensive strategy.

With the final T20 International set for Sunday in Mumbai, the series transitions into a series of one-day matches, continuing the thrilling competition between these two cricketing nations.

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