India vs England 1st ODI Highlights: A Dominant Victory
India stormed to a convincing four-wicket win over England in the first ODI at Nagpur, taking a 1-0 lead in the three-match series. Shubman Gill’s sublime 87, along with crucial contributions from Shreyas Iyer (59) and Axar Patel (52), powered India’s chase of England’s 248. The bowlers, led by debutant Harshit Rana (3/53) and Ravindra Jadeja (3/26), set up the victory by restricting England to a below-par total.
England’s Strong Start Fades Quickly
Opting to bat first, England made an aggressive start with a 71-run opening stand. Phil Salt led the charge with a quickfire 43 off 26 balls, attacking Harshit Rana early. However, a mix-up led to his run-out, triggering a collapse. England slipped from 75/0 to 77/3 in no time.
Captain Jos Buttler (51) and Jacob Bethell (51) attempted to steady the innings, but India’s disciplined bowling kept them in check. Rana impressed on debut, removing Ben Duckett and Harry Brook in quick succession. Jadeja continued his dominance over Joe Root, dismissing him for the fourth time in ODIs. England ultimately folded for 248 in 47.4 overs.
India’s Chase: A Mix of Control and Aggression
India’s reply began shakily as Jofra Archer removed Yashasvi Jaiswal early, and Saqib Mahmood dismissed Rohit Sharma soon after. At 19/2, the hosts were in trouble. However, Shreyas Iyer counterattacked, smashing a blistering 59 off 36 balls, including four boundaries off Brydon Carse.
Iyer and Gill stitched a vital 94-run stand, stabilizing the innings. After Iyer’s dismissal, Gill found another reliable partner in Axar Patel, adding 108 runs to put India on the brink of victory. Axar’s 52, featuring smart stroke play, ensured Gill could pace his innings.
A Late Stumble Before the Win
Gill, looking set for a century, fell for 87, edging Saqib Mahmood to Jos Buttler. KL Rahul departed cheaply, but Ravindra Jadeja guided India home with a couple of boundaries. India sealed the chase in just 38.4 overs, finishing at 252/6.
Key Takeaways from the Match
- Shubman Gill’s Class: A composed 87-run knock under pressure.
- Axar Patel’s All-Round Impact: A crucial 52-run innings and a wicket.
- Harshit Rana’s Dream Debut: Picked up 3/53 in his first ODI.
- Ravindra Jadeja’s Experience: 3/26 and finishing touches with the bat.
With this dominant victory, India has taken an early advantage in the series. The second ODI promises to be an exciting contest as England looks to bounce back. Stay tuned for more live updates and highlights from the series!