India bounced back fiercely from
their T20I series defeat to claim a comprehensive six-wicket victory over
England in the first ODI at Edgbaston. Driven by an all-round masterclass from
Axar Patel and a majestic knock by skipper Shubman Gill, the visitors chased
down 259 with 28 balls to spare.
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| Image Credits: Cricinfo |
Opting to bat first, England endured a dramatic collapse,
slipping from a comfortable 61/0 to a precarious 80/5 under intense pressure
from India's bowling attack. Spin spearhead Axar dismantled the English
lower-order to finish with stellar figures of 4/62. A rearguard 121-run
partnership between Joe Root (76*) and Liam Dawson (68) ultimately rescued the
hosts, guiding them to a respectable 258 all out.
India's response was anchored by captain Shubman Gill, who
looked in sublime touch during his sparkling 80 off 75 deliveries before
unfortunately retiring due to severe cramps. While middle-order stumbles
briefly gave England a glimmer of hope, the left-handed all-round duo of Axar
Patel (57*) and Washington Sundar (52*) firmly slammed the door shut on
England's victory. Both players hammered timely, unbeaten half-centuries, with
Sundar finishing the game in style by launching Adil Rashid over the ropes for
a match-winning six.
This authoritative win hands India a vital 1-0 lead in the three-match series, shifting the pressure entirely onto the hosts ahead of the second clash.
