In a dominant show at Eden Gardens, Kolkata, India defeated England by 7 wickets with 43 balls to spare within the opening T20I of the five-match collection. Opting to discipline first, India restricted England to a modest 132, due to a disciplined bowling efficiency led by Varun Chakravarthy and Arshdeep Singh. In reply, Abhishek Sharma’s blistering 79 off 34 balls ensured India chased down the goal in simply 12.5 overs. This emphatic win offers India an early lead within the collection and highlights their all-round power.
Varun Chakravarthy’s magic with the ball
India’s choice to discipline first paid dividends early as Arshdeep eliminated Phil Salt and Ben Duckett in fast succession. The spotlight of the innings was Chakravarthy’s spellbinding bowling. He picked up 3 wickets for 23 runs, together with the important thing scalps of Harry Brook and Liam Livingstone in the identical over. Chakravarthy’s guile and precision left England’s center order in shambles, as they struggled to speed up after a gentle begin by Jos Buttler, who top-scored with 68 off 44 balls and finally fell to Varun. England’s decrease order provided little resistance, folding for a mere 132.
Abhishek Sharma’s explosive knock in opposition to England
India’s chase started on a gentle be aware, however Abhishek turned it right into a one-man present. Opening alongside Sanju Samson, Sharma smashed 79 runs off simply 34 deliveries, together with 5 fours and eight towering sixes. His 20-ball half-century set the tone for a fast end. Whereas Samson contributed 26 on the prime, and Tilak Varma ensured there have been no hiccups with an unbeaten 19, it was Abhishek’s fearless strategy in opposition to the England pacers, significantly Jofra Archer and Mark Wooden, that outlined the innings. His clear hanging was a deal with for the gang, and he was rightly named Participant of the Match.
Additionally WATCH: Varun Chakravarthy stuns England by eradicating Harry Brook and Liam Livingstone in the identical over | IND vs ENG 2025, 1st T20I
Scientific bowling and fielding spotlight India’s dominance in Kolkata
India’s bowling unit executed their plans to perfection. Arshdeep’s early breakthroughs and Hardik Pandya’s essential strikes within the center overs ensured England by no means received the momentum they wanted. Axar Patel and Ravi Bishnoi saved issues tight, with Patel additionally selecting up 2 wickets. The fielding effort, together with a run-out by Samson to dismiss Mark Wooden, complemented the bowlers’ efforts. General, India’s all-round efficiency showcased their readiness for the collection, leaving England with a lot to ponder earlier than the second T20I.
Right here’s how Twitter reacted:
Abhishek Sharma doesn’t care concerning the tempo. The quicker it comes additional it goes. Unbelievable expertise. Jogs my memory of his mentor Yuvraj Singh.
— M (@anngrypakiistan) January 22, 2025
India’s greatest format is T20 .. they’ve an unimaginable group of gamers .. #INDvsENG
— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) January 22, 2025
India’s spinners have been magnificent at the moment and I liked how Suryakumar Yadav used them. Was glad to present his lead bowler three on the prime. And his fielders supported the bowlers so effectively. England’s outdated weak point in opposition to spin was effectively exploited.
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) January 22, 2025
Prime knock by Abhi Sharma.. nice option to reply when ur spot is being questioned!! Loving the character proven by the younger guys!! 💪🏾
— Robbie Uthappa (@robbieuthappa) January 22, 2025
Can’t image a T20 aspect with out Abhishek Sharma, he’s simply so, so good. On a aspect be aware, I’d like to see him develop right into a Check cricketer. His first-class common won’t stand out, however I’m certain the numbers will enhance within the coming seasons. #INDvENG
— Amartya Sinha (@theamartyasinha) January 22, 2025
In Check cricket, you want batters who out a value on their wicket. In T20 cricket, you’d often want batters who don’t put a value on their wicket, as Abhishek confirmed once more at the moment..#INDvENG
— Hemant (@hemantbuch) January 22, 2025
India coast residence by 7 wickets in simply 12.5 overs, due to Abhishek Sharma’s good 79 off simply 34 #INDvENG
— ThePoppingCrease (@PoppingCreaseSA) January 22, 2025
India’s T20I aspect is enjoyable. Simply look ahead to leisure. Get entertained. Go residence.
— Foolish Level (@FarziCricketer) January 22, 2025
Nicely performed child. Finest knock but of his brief profession. Loads to return from Abhishek.
— Saurabh Malhotra (@MalhotraSaurabh) January 22, 2025
Loving this from New India! No worry cricket. No fascination for particular person 50s and so on.
Selfless cricketer all the time a harmful cricketer in T20s.👏👏👏 #INDvENGonJioStar— Sanjay Manjrekar (@sanjaymanjrekar) January 22, 2025
Sensational knock from Abhishek Sharma 😊#cricket #INDvENG #T20I #AbhishekSharma pic.twitter.com/BraKTJcpyk
— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) January 22, 2025
𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞 𝐚𝐭 𝐄𝐝𝐞𝐧, 𝐰𝐞’𝐫𝐞 𝐟𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐚𝐫 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐢𝐭. 😉#INDvENG #PunjabKings pic.twitter.com/Pj4x1RXp5z
— Punjab Kings (@PunjabKingsIPL) January 22, 2025