Mumbai: Eoin Morgan’s six of the last ball helped England win a thriller and level draw the two match T20 series here at Wankhede Stadium on Sunday.

Chasing a target of 178, England won the match by six wickets and dashed India’s hopes of becoming the No. 1 T20 side for the first time ever.

The visitors needing nine runs to win in the final over, Indian skipper gave ball to Ashoke Dinda. Dinda conceded three singles of the first three deliveries. Joes Buttler ran a couple and a single in the last two balls.

With three required off the last ball, Dinda attempting a Yorker ended up bowling a half volley and the English skipper hit the ball over the bowler’s ahead to clinch the victory.

Morgan stayed unbeaten on 49 off 26 balls including five boundaries and couple of sixes, while Buttler was not out on 15 off seven deliveries laced with a four and a six.

England chasing a formidable target of 178 got off to a brilliant start with the openers looked in a menacing form and stitched an opening partnership of 80 runs. Michael Lumb hit 50 off just 34 balls with six fours and two sixes.

At the other end, Alex Hales, who was dropped by Parvinder Awana, made full use of the opportunity and scored 42 off 33 deliveries including four boundaries and a six.

However three wickets by star of the last match Yuvraj Singh brought things under control to certain extent and gave India a real chance of winning the series but lack of support from the other end hurt India’s cause.

Earlier, India after put into bat first did not get off to best of starts. Opener Gautam Gambhir and Ajinkya Rahane found it difficult to score runs on a pitch which offered bounce and extra swing.

India lost Rahane for cheap and Gambhir was joined by Kohli in the middle. Kohli showed intent from the onset and took the attack straight to the opposition bowlers. He scored a quick-fire 38 off 20 deliveries laced with seven boundaries.

His wicket was followed by two quick wickets and India lost the way in the middle. Rohit Sharma was looking good but fell soon for 24 off 19 deliveries including a six and a four.

His wicket brought Dhoni to the crease and along with Suresh Raina started attacking the bowlers. They launched an onslaught during the death over and took the bowlers to the cleaners.

Dhoni innings was however cut short by Tim Bresnan for 38. His 18-ball innings comprised three fours and two sixes, while Raina stayed till the end and scored 35 off 24 balls and hit three fours and a six.

Brief scores:

England 181 for 4 (Lumb 50, Morgan 49*, Yuvraj 3-17) beat India 177 for 8 (Dhoni 38, Kohli 38, Raina 35*) by six wickets 

By Indian Sports News Network