🏏 India started the IND vs ENG ODI series with a dominant four-wicket victory over England in Nagpur, taking a 1-0 lead in the three-match contest. Shubman Gill (87), Shreyas Iyer (59), and Axar Patel (51)* led the charge as the hosts comfortably chased down England’s 248-run total with 68 balls to spare.
England’s Innings: Buttler & Bethell Steady, Jadeja & Harshit Rana Shine
After winning the toss, England opted to bat first. Openers Phil Salt and Ben Duckett provided an explosive start, smashing 71 runs in just eight overs. However, a mix-up led to a couple of quick wickets, and Harshit Rana struck in his second spell to bring India back into the contest.
Skipper Jos Buttler (52 off 67) and young Jacob Bethell (51 off 64) showed composure, stabilizing the innings with a 48-run partnership. But Ravindra Jadeja removed Joe Root (21) in the 18th over, pushing England to 114/4 in 20 overs.
As the pitch started assisting spinners, Axar Patel’s low-bouncing delivery dismissed Buttler in the 33rd over. From there, wickets tumbled regularly—Harshit Rana outfoxed Liam Livingstone, and Mohammed Shami removed Brydon Carse as England slumped to 206/7 in 40 overs.
Despite the setbacks, Bethell’s mature fifty and Jofra Archer’s late cameo helped England reach 248 before being bowled out with 14 balls to spare.
Key Bowling Performances for India:
✅ Harshit Rana – 3/42
✅ Ravindra Jadeja – 3/46
✅ Axar Patel – 2/41
India’s Chase: Shreyas Iyer’s Blitz, Shubman Gill’s Grit, Axar Patel’s Finishing Touch
Unlike England’s fiery start, India’s openers struggled early on. Rohit Sharma and Yashasvi Jaiswal were dismissed within the first six overs, leaving the hosts reeling at 19/2.
Then came Shreyas Iyer, who counter-attacked in style. He smashed a pull shot and an uppercut off Jofra Archer on consecutive deliveries, racing to a 30-ball fifty. Alongside Shubman Gill, he guided India to 111/3 in 15 overs before falling to Jacob Bethell for 59.
In a tactical move, Axar Patel was promoted up the order to counter Adil Rashid’s wrist spin. The all-rounder made an immediate impact, hitting a four and a six off the spinners. Meanwhile, Shubman Gill played a measured knock, rotating strike and punishing loose balls, taking India to 138/3 in 20 overs.
As India edged closer, Gill and Axar Patel added 68 runs in the next 10 overs. However, Adil Rashid provided England a lifeline by dismissing Gill for a well-made 87.
With 18 runs needed off 14 overs, Hardik Pandya stepped in, smashing a six to bring down the equation. Eventually, Axar Patel (51) and Pandya (14)** ensured India got over the line with 68 balls to spare, sealing a commanding victory.
Top Performers for India:
🔥 Shubman Gill – 87 (94)
🔥 Shreyas Iyer – 59 (44)
🔥 Axar Patel – 51* (48)
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