Jos Buttler Matches MS Dhoni's Unique World Record In IND Vs ENG 4th T20I

Jos Buttler and MS Dhoni [Source: AFP]

England wicketkeeper-batter Jos Buttler etched his name into the record books during the 4th T20I against India in Bristol on Thursday by equalling a unique milestone held by former India captain MS Dhoni.

Although Buttler failed to make a big impact with the bat, he still achieved the landmark by smashing a six during his brief stay at the crease.

Jos Buttler equals MS Dhoni's unique six-hitting record

Chasing India's target of 159, England opened the innings with Jos Buttler and Phil Salt. However, the hosts suffered an early setback as Buttler was dismissed by Arshdeep Singh in the 3rd over after scoring just eight runs off as many deliveries.

Before losing his wicket, though, Buttler reached a significant milestone. Arshdeep bowled a full delivery outside the off stump, and the former England skipper got underneath it beautifully before smashing it over the long-on fence for a towering six.

With that maximum, the England star registered the 359th six of his professional career as a wicketkeeper-batter, drawing level with Dhoni at the top of the elite list. 

Most 6s by a Batter in International Cricket 

• Jos Buttler (England) – 359*
• MS Dhoni (India/Asia) – 359
• Quinton de Kock (South Africa) – 300
• Adam Gilchrist (Australia) – 259
• Brendon McCullum (New Zealand) – 208

Arshdeep Singh gets immediate revenge after conceding a six

However, Jos Buttler's milestone moment was followed by instant disappointment as Arshdeep Singh struck back with the very next delivery.

Notably, the left-arm quick bowled a good-length delivery that shaped away from the right-hander outside the off stump. Buttler, looking to guide the ball through the off side, played away from his body without moving his feet and only managed to edge it behind.

Ishan Kishan completed a comfortable catch, handing India a massive breakthrough. 

Meanwhile, Buttler has endured a below-par series with the bat. Before the Bristol match, Buttler had managed only 44 runs in three innings at a strike rate of 137.50.

Also Read: England Great Shames Shreyas Iyer’s India, Recalls Rohit Sharma Heroics

India struggle to post daunting target 

Earlier in the evening, India tried to post a competitive total after winning the toss and opting to bat first. However, the visitors once again endured a disappointing start as Vaibhav Sooryavanshi (15), Ishan Kishan (4), and Abhishek Sharma (16) all fell cheaply.

In an attempt to counter England's spin attack, India promoted Shivam Dube to bat at No. 4. However, the move did not yield the desired result as Dube also failed to make a significant contribution. 

Nevertheless, captain Shreyas Iyer stood firm amid the collapse and produced a captain's knock under pressure. The right-hander remained unbeaten on 80 off 49 deliveries.

Thanks largely to Iyer's outstanding effort, India managed to cross the 150-run mark and finished with 158 on the board.

England eye comfortable win against India

At the time of writing, England are well on course in the run chase despite the early dismissal of Jos Buttler. Captain Harry Brook is leading the charge with an unbeaten 63, while Phil Salt is providing excellent support with 49* at the other end. 

Notably, England need 34 runs from 57 deliveries, the hosts are firmly in control and closing in on victory.

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