India Ease to Six-Wicket Win Over England in First ODI: India bounced back from a 4-0 humiliation in the T20I series to record a convincing six-wicket win over England in the opening match of the three-match One-Day International (ODI) series at Edgbaston. The visitors successfully located the target of 259 set by England with only one over to hunt, claiming a 1-0 lead in the series.
India, however, stayed in the chase largely due to the calm anchor play by Captain Shubman Gill, who scored 80 runs before succumbing to cramps and retiring hurt. Gill had looked in full control during his innings, playing fluently and ensuring that the Indian chase was always on course with excellent strike rotation. A partnership with the middle order set up a crucial victory.
The chase stacked up for India with a fabulous 60-run unbeaten partnership between Axar Patel and Washington Sundar. Axar hit a handy 57 not out, and Sundar also remained unbeaten on 52, delivering the final blow in the form of a giant six to secure victory. Chasing a target of 263, their partnership turned into a hope to prevent any hiccups towards the end, and India smoothly cruised past at 262 for four in 45.2 overs.
England, who earlier won the toss and elected to bat first. The hosts got off to a strong start, only for their innings to collapse badly after 61 without loss. England, by contrast, had been reduced to 80 for five in a disciplined seven-man Indian bowling effort.
Once again, veteran batter Joe Root showed his class with 76 not out. Curran had found steadfast support from Liam Dawson, who made 68, with the pair having added 121 runs for the sixth wicket in an otherwise dire situation for England. They took England to a decent total of 258 before being bowled out off the last ball.
Bowler: Axar Patel was the best bowler for India today as the left-arm spinner also proved his all-around. He took 4 wickets and put up a strong showing with the bat, which made him adjudged your Player of the Match. His timely breakthroughs also stalled any hopes England had of building on their momentum, with things swinging emphatically back India’s way.
India was incisive in their lines and lengths, keeping the pressure on England and not allowing any acceleration to be hit by them consistently. The bowlers got assistance from the fielding unit, which put in more energetic efforts and helped build momentum with a couple of important catches, as Bangladesh aimed to hit form following a listless T20I series.
Skipper Shubman Gill, speaking after the match, lauded the set batters for remaining calm in a tense chase while also highlighting the impact of the middle order. The partnership between Axar Patel and Washington Sundar gave the team much confidence and also showed how deep India’s batting is, he added.
While England will lament their batting failure after a strong start. While Root and Dawson salvaged the innings, little came from the other batsmen. The hosts, therefore, will need to regroup quickly for the second ODI.
India has gone 1-0 up in the three-match ODI series and will now look to win the series when they take on New Zealand in the second ODI. England, meanwhile, will have to do better with bat and ball if they are to square the series and stay alive in it. With the sides also using the series as vital practice in preparation for future ICC tournaments, every game offers another opportunity to build some momentum.
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