Arshdeep defended 10 runs in the last over to script India's 6-run victory in the fifth T20I.
Arshdeep was tasked to defend 10 runs in the last over and he didn’t let his team down. The left-arm pacer claimed the prized scalp of Matthew Wade (22 off 15) and gave away only three runs, helping the hosts restrict the visitors to 154/8 in the chase of 161.
Arshdeep conceded 37 runs in his first three overs before making amends in the last. He also took the wicket of Ben McDermott, who slammed 54 runs off 36 balls with the help of five sixes.
“I'm elated to be honest to see everyone chipping in and contributing for the team. The shots, innovation has been on point and I could see Arshdeep's calmness when he was bowling the last over,” Shreyas was quoted as saying after the match.
Earlier, India posted 160/8 on the board after being asked to bat first. Shreyas Iyer was the top scorer with 37-ball 53 while Akshar Patel (31 off 21) and Jitesh Sharma (24 off 16) returned with valuable cameos.
Reflecting on his knock, Iyer said he wanted to take the bowling attack to the cleaners but curbed his instincts given the challenging conditions.
“My mindset was to boom boom, but when I saw three wickets falling, my mind started calculating. It wasn't an easy wicket to bat on. I feel 160 was the right total, which we got eventually. To defend it was a brilliant performance from the team,” he added.
With this victory, India clinched the five-match T20I series 4-1. The Indian T20I team will be next seen in action during the tour of South Africa, starting December 10.