Bristol: India’s difficulties in the five-match T20 International series against England persisted on Thursday as they fell to a comprehensive nine-wicket defeat in the fourth fixture in Bristol, allowing the hosts to establish an unassailable 3-0 lead with one match remaining.

The result confirmed a second consecutive series defeat under newly appointed captain Shreyas Iyer, who is still seeking his maiden victory as India’s T20I skipper.

The triumph marks the first time England have ever defeated India in a bilateral T20I series consisting of two or more matches. Previously, India had emerged victorious in five of their last six bilateral T20I series against England, with the remaining one ending in a draw.

Prior to the current tour, India’s last two bilateral series losses against England across any format occurred during their 2018 tour, when they suffered a 2-1 defeat in the One-Day Internationals and a 4-1 loss in the Test series.

Since that tour, India had maintained a dominant record against England, winning eight out of ten bilateral series, whilst the other two ended as 2-2 draws in away Test series. After the opening game of this series was abandoned due to rain, England responded emphatically, registering three consecutive victories to secure the series silverware.

Pursuing a modest target of 159, England's top order comfortably dismantled the Indian bowling attack, as Harry Brook and Phil Salt both struck commanding half-centuries to secure victory for the hosts in a mere 13.5 overs.

Salt compiled 59 runs from 42 deliveries, whilst captain Brook bludgeoned 79 off only 35 balls, a blistering innings that featured eight fours and four sixes.

Earlier, India found it difficult to generate momentum with the bat, finishing on 158-7 despite a resilient, unbeaten performance from Iyer. The captain anchored the innings amidst a batting collapse, hitting 80 not out from 49 balls, but he found little assistance from his teammates as England's bowlers maintained control.

Young opening batsman Vaibhav Sooryavanshi suffered another frustrating outing, falling for 15 runs off 10 balls after being dismissed by Jofra Archer.

Archer and Josh Tongue proved to be the most effective members of the English bowling attack, capturing two wickets apiece to successfully restrict India’s scoring rate.

With the series outcome now determined, India will attempt to salvage pride in the final T20I, whilst England looks to wrap up a comprehensive series victory.

With inputs from ANI