C.A Correspondent||
India made an impressive start to the three-match ODI series, defeating England by six wickets at Edgbaston to take a 1-0 lead. After enduring a disappointing T20I campaign in England, the visitors produced a composed all-round performance, with captain Shubman Gill, Axar Patel and Washington Sundar playing pivotal roles in the victory.
Asked to chase 259, India approached the target with confidence and completed the task with nearly five overs remaining. Captain Shubman Gill led from the front with a stylish 80 off 75 deliveries, striking 11 fours and a six before retiring hurt due to cramps. His elegant strokeplay, featuring crisp drives and confident pulls, ensured India remained in control for most of the chase. The innings also marked Gill’s fourth consecutive international score of 80 or more, underlining his exceptional form.
India suffered early setbacks when Rohit Sharma departed for 11 after finding the fielder at mid-off, while Virat Kohli was trapped leg before wicket for just five. Gill steadied the innings, but after his retirement with India well placed at 149 for two, England briefly clawed their way back. Shreyas Iyer was run out following a direct hit from captain Harry Brook, and K.L. Rahul’s stay ended when he chopped the ball onto his stumps.
However, Washington Sundar and Axar Patel extinguished England’s hopes with a match-winning unbeaten partnership of 102 runs. Washington remained unbeaten on 52 from 63 balls, while Axar contributed an equally valuable 57 not out from 52 deliveries. The pair batted with maturity, rotated the strike effectively and punished loose deliveries, with Washington sealing the victory in style by launching Adil Rashid over the ropes.
Earlier, England endured a roller-coaster innings after opting to bat first. The hosts started confidently, reaching 61 without loss before India’s bowlers triggered a dramatic collapse that reduced them to 107 for six. Ben Duckett provided early momentum with an entertaining 43, while Jacob Bethell offered support at the top.
India’s pace attack exploited the helpful conditions brilliantly. Gurnoor Brar dismissed both openers in a crucial spell after an animated exchange with Duckett, while Jasprit Bumrah removed Harry Brook. Prasidh Krishna accounted for Jos Buttler in a moment that saw Gill and Gurnoor collide while attempting the catch, only for Gurnoor to hold on safely. K.L. Rahul also produced an outstanding one-handed catch behind the stumps to dismiss Will Jacks.
Just when England appeared headed for a below-par total, Joe Root and Liam Dawson mounted a spirited recovery with a 121-run stand for the seventh wicket. Root remained unbeaten on 76, anchoring the innings with trademark composure, while Dawson scored a valuable 68 to revive England’s hopes.
The revival, however, was short-lived. Axar Patel broke the partnership by dismissing Dawson before cleaning up the lower order to finish with outstanding figures of four wickets. His efforts ensured England were bowled out for 258, leaving Root stranded at the non-striker’s end.
With Gill providing a classy start to the chase and Axar delivering match-winning performances with both bat and ball, India claimed a deserved victory and moved ahead in the series. The comprehensive display gives the visitors valuable momentum as they head into the second ODI looking to seal the series.
