Buttler’s Blazing 131, Brook’s Unbeaten 95 Power England to Massive 257/3 Against India

Southampton, July 2026 : Jos Buttler rolled back the years with a scintillating century, while Harry Brook produced a whirlwind unbeaten knock as England piled up a daunting 257/3 against India in the fifth and final T20I at The Rose Bowl on Saturday. The hosts produced a batting exhibition after being asked to bat first, leaving India with a mountain to climb.

India captain Shreyas Iyer’s decision to field first proved costly as Buttler and Brook dismantled the bowling attack with an extraordinary 233-run partnership for the second wicket, coming off just 102 deliveries. Their relentless assault ensured England registered one of their highest T20I totals against India.

England suffered an early setback when opener Phil Salt was dismissed for six in the second over. Pacer Prasidh Krishna struck early by inducing a mistimed shot that was safely caught at deep backward square leg. However, that proved to be India’s only moment of success for most of the innings.

Brook seized the initiative immediately, launching an aggressive counterattack against both pace and spin. He raced to a half-century in just 19 balls, peppering the boundary with powerful strokes and putting the Indian bowlers under relentless pressure.

At the other end, Buttler adopted a measured approach before shifting into top gear. Once settled, the England skipper showcased his trademark range of strokes, effortlessly finding gaps and clearing the ropes with remarkable consistency. He reached his century in only 52 deliveries, celebrating the milestone with a towering six off Axar Patel.

Buttler eventually departed for a magnificent 131, an innings studded with 12 fours and eight sixes, scored at an astonishing strike rate of 204.69. His knock laid the foundation for England’s imposing total and reminded everyone of his status as one of the world’s most destructive T20 batters.

Brook continued the onslaught after Buttler’s dismissal and narrowly missed out on a century, remaining unbeaten on 95. His explosive innings included four boundaries and eight sixes, ensuring England maintained the momentum right until the final over.

India’s disappointing bowling performance was compounded by poor fielding. Buttler survived a crucial chance off Axar Patel in the 16th over, while Brook was dropped twice—first on three by Shivam Dube and later on 90 by Ishan Kishan. The missed opportunities proved costly as England punished every error.

Dube provided India with some late relief by dismissing Buttler in the 19th over before removing Jacob Bethell for a first-ball duck on the very next delivery. However, Will Jacks and Brook ensured England crossed the 250-run mark with a strong finish.

Among the Indian bowlers, Dube was the standout performer, returning figures of 2/22, while Prasidh Krishna claimed the early wicket of Salt. Axar Patel endured a difficult outing, conceding 63 runs in four overs, making it the most expensive spell of his T20 career.

Brief Scores: England 257/3 in 20 overs (Jos Buttler 131, Harry Brook 95*; Shivam Dube 2/22, Prasidh Krishna 1/38) against India.