Xplorich
Ravi Bishnoi endured one of the toughest outings of his international career on Saturday, with the Indian leg-spinner registering an unwanted record during the second T20I against England at Old Trafford. Bishnoi became the first spinner from a Full Member nation to bowl three no-balls in a men’s T20I, capping off a forgettable evening that played a major role in England’s four-wicket victory and a 1-0 lead in the five-match series. The record came on a day that had begun with enormous excitement over 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s much-awaited India debut. However, as the match progressed, it was Bishnoi’s expensive spell that stole the headlines for all the wrong reasons. Defending 191, India made the ideal start as Arshdeep Singh removed both Phil Salt and Jos Buttler early. Harry Brook then counterattacked with a blistering 39 off just 15 balls before Axar Patel dismissed the England captain to briefly pull India back into the contest. Jacob Bethell and Tom Banton then rebuilt the chase with a composed 67-run partnership, targeting India’s spin attack on a skiddy Old Trafford surface. While Axar maintained control, Bishnoi and Varun Chakravarthy struggled to find the right pace and length, allowing England’s batters to settle. The turning point came in the 17th over. With England closing in on the target, Bishnoi lost control completely. He overstepped on each of his first two deliveries, handing England two no-balls before Jacob Bethell capitalised in brutal fashion. The left-hander launched three towering sixes during the over as Bishnoi leaked 29 runs, effectively ending India’s hopes of a comeback. By the end of his spell, Bishnoi had returned figures of 0 for 60 from four overs, one of the most expensive spells of his T20I career. Earlier, India had posted 190/7 after contributions from Abhishek Sharma (43), Shreyas Iyer (37), Ishan Kishan (49) and a late flourish from Tilak Varma, who struck an unbeaten 24 off just 11 balls, including 17 runs off the final over bowled by Jofra Archer. Sooryavanshi also provided glimpses of his immense talent on debut. The 15-year-old became India’s youngest-ever international cricketer and the second-youngest debutant from a Full Member nation. He struck two sixes in an entertaining 14 off 10 balls before being stumped by Jos Buttler off Will Jacks. Despite India’s competitive total and bright moments with both bat and ball, Bishnoi’s costly spell proved decisive. England chased down the target with an over to spare, with Bethell finishing unbeaten on 76 to seal a memorable victory. For Bishnoi, the defeat was made even more painful by an unwanted place in the record books, becoming the first spinner from a Full Member nation to bowl three no-balls in a men’s T20 International.
