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| Varun picked 3 for 23 ©️BCCI |
India’s Spin Attack Shines in Seven-Wicket Win Over England in the Opening T20I
India’s spinners put on a brilliant show in the opening T20I against England in Kolkata on January 22, leading the team to a commanding seven-wicket victory. The spin trio of Axar Patel, Varun Chakravarthy, and others combined for impressive figures of 5/67 in 12 overs, restricting England to just 132.
The match, which had been expected to feature a battle between two powerful batting sides, quickly turned into a showcase of India’s spin dominance. Choosing to bowl first, India’s early strategy paid off with Arshdeep Singh striking twice. He dismissed Phil Salt with a sharp bouncer and then got Ben Duckett with a fuller delivery, both falling to leading edges. England’s captain, Jos Buttler, tried to fight back, smashing six boundaries in two overs off Hardik Pandya, but the introduction of India’s spinners turned the game.
Varun Chakravarthy made an impact in his second over, dismissing Harry Brook and Liam Livingstone with two well-delivered googlies. England’s innings fell apart after that, and debutant Jacob Bethell was dismissed after a nervy stay.
In the chase for 133, India’s batters made light work of the target. Abhishek Sharma’s explosive knock of 43 balls guided India to victory with 43 balls to spare. India’s controlled chase and spin attack ensured a comfortable win, setting the tone for the rest of the series.
Key Moments:
- India defeated England by seven wickets in the opening T20I.
- India’s spinners dominated, bowling out England for just 132.
- Abhishek Sharma’s blistering knock sealed the win for India.
- Early breakthroughs by Arshdeep Singh set the stage for a comfortable chase.
India’s impressive all-around performance showed their adaptability and spin dominance, making them strong contenders for the T20I series.
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| Abhishek scored a 20-ball fifty ©️BCCI |
India Defeats England by 7 Wickets in Opening T20I: Abhishek Sharma Shines with Explosive Knock
India secured a dominant seven-wicket victory over England in the opening T20I at Kolkata on January 22, with Abhishek Sharma’s blistering 79-run performance leading the chase. England posted a modest total of 132, and India chased it down comfortably in just 12.5 overs, with 43 balls to spare.
England's Struggles Against India's Spin Attack
England's innings were anchored by captain Jos Buttler, who made a brilliant 68, contributing over 60% of his team's total by the 15th over. Despite his valiant effort, India’s spinners and fielders were in control throughout the match. Buttler’s hope of extending his innings was shattered when Nitish Reddy pulled off a stunning diving catch to dismiss the England skipper.
Jofra Archer and Adil Rashid tried to push England’s total past 130, but their efforts were not enough to set a competitive target for India, especially with the dew making the conditions favorable for the chasing side.
India's Chase Led by Abhishek Sharma
India's response to the 132-run target was swift, with Sanju Samson launching a stunning counterattack. After playing cautiously in the opening over, Samson smashed Gus Atkinson for four boundaries and a six, reducing the target by 22 runs in just six deliveries. Though he was dismissed after mistiming a shot, Abhishek Sharma took over the chase.
Abhishek Sharma’s fearless hitting against pace spearhead Mark Wood and Jofra Archer kept the runs flowing for India. He hit back-to-back sixes off Wood and helped India race to 63 runs in the powerplay. Despite a dropped catch off Rashid’s bowling, Abhishek capitalized on the opportunity. He hit Rashid for a four, followed by two sixes, taking India closer to the target.
Abhishek’s remarkable half-century off just 20 balls further accelerated the chase, and India reached 100 runs in just 10 overs, with victory in sight. Abhishek’s explosive 79 runs came off just 42 balls, and he was dismissed by a googly from Rashid, but by then, India were nearly home.
India Wraps Up the Game in Style
Tilak Varma played a supporting role at the other end, as India sealed the win with ease. The team's clinical approach with both bat and ball, including impressive spells from India’s spinners, ensured a comfortable chase. India finished with 133/3 in just 12.5 overs, securing a 7-wicket victory in the opening T20I.
Brief Scores:
- England: 132 in 20 overs (Jos Buttler 68; Varun Chakaravarthy 3/23, Arshdeep Singh 2/17)
- India: 133/3 in 12.5 overs (Abhishek Sharma 79; Jofra Archer 2/21) by 7 wickets
Key Highlights:
- India won by 7 wickets in the opening T20I against England.
- Abhishek Sharma’s explosive knock of 79 led India to victory.
- India’s spin attack dominated, with Varun Chakaravarthy taking 3 wickets.
- Jos Buttler's 68 was the lone bright spot for England.
- India completed the chase in just 12.5 overs with 43 balls to spare.
This victory highlighted India’s tactical brilliance and set the tone for the rest of the T20I series.