India Secures 4-Wicket Win Over England in 1st ODI
India kicked off the three-match ODI series with a 4-wicket victory over England in Nagpur on Thursday. Despite early setbacks, Shubman Gill (87), Shreyas Iyer (59), and Axar Patel (52) led the chase, helping India reach 249 runs at the Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium.
England Sets a Target of 249
After winning the toss, England captain Jos Buttler chose to bat first. Although they struggled early, Jacob Bethell (51) and Buttler (52) helped push the score to 248 runs.
On the bowling side, Ravindra Jadeja (3/26) and debutant Harshit Rana (3/53) stood out, keeping England’s total in check.
India’s Chase: A Team Effort
India’s innings got off to a shaky start. Rohit Sharma fell for just 2 runs, while Virat Kohli missed the game due to a knee injury. However, the middle order took control.
- Shubman Gill (87) led the way with a steady knock.
- Shreyas Iyer (59) and Axar Patel (52) built crucial partnerships.
- Hardik Pandya and Ravindra Jadeja sealed the win in the final overs.
Debut Star: Harshit Rana Impresses
India handed a debut to Harshit Rana, who made an immediate impact by taking three wickets. Since the red-soil pitch favoured seamers, India opted for a three-pacer attack.
What’s Next?
With this win, India takes a 1-0 lead in the series. Can England fight back in the next match, or will India extend their dominance?
This article was initially published in Indianexpress
