The five match T20 series between India and England kicked off on Wednesday at the Eden Gardens, Kolkata. And the hosts ensured that they give a superb hospitality to their visitors. India defeated England by seven wickets in the 1st T20 match, taking a lead by 1-0. The current T20 Champions chose to bowl first and restricted England at a low score of 132 runs in 20 overs.
Then began the thrilling chase run, with opener Abhishek Sharma playing a hasty, powerful knock of 79 in 34 balls. Followed by Sanju Samson’s 26 off 20 balls and Tilak Verma’s 19 in 16 balls. India could chase down the target within mere 12.5 overs, still 43 balls to spare. The win was already set by the spinners who showcased an excellent show with the ball. Varun Chakravarthy’s googlies dismissed top England batsmen Harry Brook, Liam Livingstone and the dangerous Jos Buttler. While Hardik Pandya, Arshdeep Singh and Axar Patel bagged two wickets each to their kitty.
Abhishek Sharma joins the big batsmen elite list of hitting the fastest 50 in the T20Is against England. He becomes second after Yuvraj Singh who scored a half century in 12 balls (Durban,2007). Abhishek Sharma took 20 balls to hit a 50.
For England, Captain Jos Buttler could strike 68 runs, his 26th fifty inT20 international. The skipper departed in the 17th over when there was 109 on the board. He started with a defeat at the toss itself. Owing to the moisture and dew factor, both the teams wanted to bowl first. India won the toss and got the chance to chase, making the best out of the conditions.
Moreover, Arshdeep Singh, India’s left- arm seamer reached to 97 wickets in T20Is becoming country’s highest wicket taker in the format. Very early in his first 11 deliveries, Arshdeep dismissed England openers Phil Salt and Ben Duckett.
The first T20I in 2025 will also be India’s most successful run chase with most balls remaining against England in the format. The target could be chased easily in 12.5 overs, 43 balls remaining. India’s last successful chase with most balls remaining came in Pune 2012 with 13 balls left.
The shock came during the toss when Suryakumar Yadav announced that Mohammad Shami won’t be playing the match citing fitness reasons. India went out to play with only one specialist fast bowler Arshdeep Singh. As of now, the combination has been convincingly well for the team. As witnessed in the first T20 where India demolished England by the spin attack and Abhishek Sharma’s massive hit.
The next match between India and England is scheduled on Saturday, 25th January 2025 at MA Chidambaram stadium, Bengaluru IST 7:00 pm.