The Indian cricket team got off to a flying start in the five-match T20I series against England, securing a comprehensive seven-wicket victory in the first match at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata. Chasing a modest target of 133, India chased down the target in just 12.5 overs, losing only three wickets in the process.
- India won the toss and elected to field first. Â
- England were bowled out for 132 in 20 overs. Â
- India chased down the target in 12.5 overs, losing three wickets. Â
- Abhishek Sharma was named Player of the Match for his match-winning knock of 79 runs off 34 balls. Â
Table Of Contents
India’s Dominating Bowling Performance
The Indian bowlers were spot on from the word go, restricting England to a below-par total. The Indian spinners, in particular, were exceptional, picking up regular wickets and keeping the England batsmen in check.
- Varun Chakravarthy was the pick of the bowlers, returning figures of 3/20. Â
- Arshdeep Singh and Hardik Pandya also chipped in with two wickets each.
- The Indian spinners were particularly effective, keeping the England batsmen guessing. Â
- England were never really in the game after losing early wickets.
Abhishek Sharma’s Explosive Innings
Abhishek Sharma played a sensational knock of 79 runs off 34 balls to power India to victory. His innings was studded with six fours and five sixes, and it helped India chase down the target with plenty of overs to spare.
- Sharma was named Player of the Match for his brilliant innings. Â
- His innings was crucial in helping India chase down the target with ease. Â
- He scored his runs at a strike rate of 232.35.
- His innings will be remembered as one of the best by an Indian batsman in T20I cricket.
India’s Clinical Chasing
India’s chase was clinical and professional. They never allowed the required run rate to get out of hand, and they kept losing wickets at regular intervals. This ensured that they never faced any real pressure, and they were able to cruise to victory in the end.
- India lost only three wickets in their chase. Â
- They kept the required run rate under control throughout their innings.
- They never allowed England to get back into the game.
- Their clinical performance was a testament to their strong team spirit and unity.
England’s Disappointing Performance
England will be disappointed with their performance in the first T20I. They failed to post a competitive total, and their bowling was also not up to the mark. They will need to improve in both departments if they are to level the series.
- England were bowled out for 132 in 20 overs. Â
- Their batting failed to fire, with only Jos Buttler scoring a half-century.
- Their bowling was also not up to the mark, as they failed to restrict India to a low total.
- They will need to improve their performance in the remaining four matches if they are to win the series.
Road Ahead For Both Teams
The two teams will now face each other in four more T20Is. India will be looking to build on their winning momentum, while England will be looking to bounce back and level the series. The remaining matches promise to be exciting contests between two evenly matched teams.
- The two teams will play four more T20Is.
- India will be looking to build on their winning momentum.
- England will be looking to bounce back and level the series.
- The remaining matches promise to be exciting contests.
Conclusion
India’s comprehensive victory in the first T20I against England has set the tone for the series. They will be confident of winning the series, but they will need to maintain their focus and intensity in the remaining matches. England, on the other hand, will need to improve their performance in all departments if they are to avoid a whitewash.
- India won the first T20I by seven wickets. Â
- They will be confident of winning the series.
- England will need to improve their performance if they are to avoid a whitewash.
- The remaining matches promise to be exciting contests between two evenly matched teams.
FAQ’s
How many times did India beat England?
India has beaten England 13 times in T20I cricket.
Has England ever won a T20i series in India?
Yes, England has won a T20I series in India before.