India vs England 1st T20I Highlights: Abhishek Sharma Shines as India Defeat England by 7 Wickets

In a thrilling contest at Eden Gardens, Kolkata, India defeated England by seven wickets in the first T20I of the five-match series. India’s clinical bowling performance and explosive batting, led by the fiery Abhishek Sharma, helped them comfortably chase down a target of 133 in just 12.5 overs. The win gave India a 1-0 lead in the series, and Sharma’s blistering knock placed him among the fastest to reach 50 in T20Is for India.

India’s Dominant Bowling Sets the Stage

After winning the toss, Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav opted to bowl first, a decision that paid off handsomely. India’s bowlers restricted England to a modest total of 132/10 in 20 overs, with Varun Chakravarthy leading the charge with a brilliant 3-wicket haul. Arshdeep Singh, Hardik Pandya, and Axar Patel each claimed two wickets, making crucial contributions to dismantle the English batting lineup.

England’s top-order struggled against the Indian bowlers, with only Jos Buttler providing any significant resistance. Buttler’s 68 runs off 44 balls were the backbone of England’s innings, but his efforts were insufficient as wickets continued to fall at regular intervals. The Indian spinners, particularly Chakravarthy, exploited the conditions well, with the pitch offering assistance to both spin and pace.

Abhishek Sharma’s Fiery Knock Leads India to Victory

Chasing a modest target of 133, India got off to a solid start with openers Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson. Sharma, in particular, was in devastating form, playing an explosive knock of 79 off just 34 balls. His knock included 8 sixes and 5 fours, as he tore apart England’s bowling attack. Sharma’s half-century came in just 20 balls, joining the elite list of India’s fastest T20I fifties, a feat that included the likes of Yuvraj Singh (12 balls) and KL Rahul (27 balls). Sharma’s aggressive approach, which saw him hit boundaries off pacers and spinners alike, set the tone for India’s chase.

Despite losing Sanju Samson (26 off 20) and Suryakumar Yadav (duck), India’s chase never faltered, with Tilak Varma (19* off 16 balls) providing solid support to Sharma. India completed the chase in just 12.5 overs, with the victory sealed by Sharma’s thrilling stroke play.

England’s Struggles with the Bat

England’s batting performance was underwhelming, with their top order failing to make a significant impact. After an early breakthrough by Arshdeep Singh (who dismissed Phil Salt for a duck), England never really found their rhythm. Buttler tried to anchor the innings, but the lack of partnerships meant that the English side never got the momentum they needed. Wickets fell consistently as the Indian bowlers executed their plans to perfection.

The middle order crumbled as Varun Chakravarthy took crucial wickets, removing Harry Brook (17) and Liam Livingstone (0) in quick succession. Axar Patel and Hardik Pandya also contributed with wickets to keep England in check. Buttler’s lone fight was not enough to get England past a competitive total, and they finished all out for 132.

Key Moments of the Match

• India’s bowling excellence: With Chakravarthy (3/25) leading the way, Arshdeep Singh (2/20), Pandya (2/23), and Axar Patel (2/27) ensured that England was restricted to just 132 runs. The bowlers executed their plans flawlessly, especially in the middle overs.
• Abhishek Sharma’s match-winning knock: Sharma’s 79 off 34 balls was the highlight of the match, making him the star of the chase. His aggressive batting helped India race towards the target.
• Jos Buttler’s lone fight: England’s captain scored 68 runs, but his effort could not prevent his side from collapsing. His innings was one of the few bright spots in an otherwise disappointing performance from England.
• India’s chase: India’s chase was led by Sharma, with contributions from Samson and Varma. The chase was completed in just 12.5 overs, with India winning by 7 wickets.

What’s Next for India and England?

With this emphatic win, India has taken the lead in the five-match series. The team will look to carry forward the momentum into the next game, scheduled for January 25, 2025, in Chennai. England, on the other hand, will need to regroup and come up with a better strategy to challenge India’s dominant performance.

The key for England will be to get more contributions from their top-order, and for their bowlers to step up and challenge India’s aggressive batting line-up. India, on the other hand, will look to continue their strong all-round performances, with bowlers and batters complementing each other well.

Where to Watch India vs England T20I Series?

Fans can watch the India vs England T20I series live on the Star Sports Network, with streaming available on Disney+ Hotstar. The series promises to be full of action and excitement, so make sure you don’t miss the upcoming matches.