Buttler’s 131 Powers England to Series Sweep in Southampton

England Blaze a T20 Record

Jos Buttler struck a brilliant 131 off 64 balls to thrust England to a dominant 257‑3 in the fifth T20 at Southampton. He shared a 233‑run stand with captain Harry Brook, who finished unbeaten on 95 in just 45 deliveries. The partnership set an England T20 record and lifted the hosts to their third‑highest international total and the highest ever against India. Spinner Dube managed only two wickets, conceding 22 runs from his quota.

India’s Fight Ends in a 56‑Run Defeat

Ishan Kishan and Tilak Varma each posted half‑centuries, making 56 and 53 respectively, but could not steer India past the 200‑run mark. The tourists reached 201‑8, with Curran taking three wickets for 36 runs. England’s 56‑run victory sealed a 4‑0 series win, the largest margin in the five‑match contest. The loss left India without a win in a five‑match T20 series for the first time.

Series Fallout and Rankings

England’s triumph vaulted them to the top of the world rankings, officially dethroning India as the number one T20 side. The defeat extended India’s unwanted streak to six straight losses in completed 20‑over matches, a slump that began with a shock defeat to Ireland earlier in the tour. This marked the first occasion India finished a five‑match T20 series winless, adding to an already troubled campaign.

The match also highlighted England’s depth of batting and bowling, while India’s fielding lapses proved costly. Fans can revisit the highlights for every contribution, including Buttler’s milestone innings and Curran’s three wickets.