India beat England by 55 runs in the second T20I at SSE Ground in Bengaluru today to take an unassailable 2-0 lead in the 3-match Bilateral Cricket Series for Blind. Put into bat by England captain Ed Hossel, India rode on a half-century each by captain Ajay Reddy and Odisha batsman Pankaj Bhue to post a formidable total of 217 for five.

Reddy hit an unbeaten 90 (44 balls, 15x4), while Bhue struck an unconquered 51 (25 balls, 4x6, 6x2). The duo put on 106 runs for the unfinished sixth-wicket partnership. Chasing the daunting target, England could make 162 for nine in the stipulated 20 overs.

Durga Rao was most successful Indian bowler, taking three wickets for nine runs. Ajay Reddy was adjudged the man of the match. The final match will be played at the same ground tomorrow.

BRIEF SCORES: India 217/ 5 in 20 overs (Ajay Reddy 90 n.O, Pankaj Bhue 51 n.o, S Ramesh 38; Ed Hossell 2/24, Justin Hollingsworth 2/31) beat England 162/9 in 20 overs (Ed Hossell 45, A Afshari 26 n.o; Durga Rao 3/9, Pankaj Bhue 1/15) by 55 runs.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PHOTO: File photo of Odisha batsman Pankaj Bhue.