Nagpur, February 6, 2025 – In a gripping encounter at the Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium, India emerged victorious by four wickets against England in the first ODI of the three-match series. Chasing a target of 249, India showcased resilience and composure, with standout performances from Shubman Gill, Shreyas Iyer, and Axar Patel, who all scored crucial fifties to steer the hosts to a 1-0 series lead.
England’s Innings: A Mixed Bag
England, opting to bat first, got off to a flying start with openers Ben Duckett and Phil Salt putting on a 75-run partnership. Salt was particularly aggressive, smashing 43 off just 26 balls, including three sixes and five fours. However, the introduction of Harshit Rana and Axar Patel turned the tide for India. Rana struck twice in an over, dismissing Duckett (32) and Harry Brook (0), while Axar removed the dangerous Jos Buttler for 52. England’s middle order struggled against India’s spinners, with Ravindra Jadeja and Kuldeep Yadav picking up key wickets. Despite a late flourish from Jofra Archer (24*), England was bowled out for 248 in 47.4 overs.
India’s Chase: Gill and Axar Shine
India’s chase began on a shaky note as openers Rohit Sharma (2) and Yashasvi Jaiswal (15) fell early. However, Shubman Gill anchored the innings with a composed 87, forming crucial partnerships with Shreyas Iyer (59 off 36) and Axar Patel (50 off 45). Iyer’s aggressive fifty, laced with nine fours and two sixes, provided the momentum, while Axar’s calm half-century ensured India stayed on course despite losing wickets at regular intervals.
England’s spinners, particularly Adil Rashid, kept the pressure on, but Hardik Pandya’s quickfire 16* and Ravindra Jadeja’s unbeaten 12* saw India home with 10 overs to spare. Jadeja sealed the victory in style, hitting a boundary off Saqib Mahmood to finish the game.
Key Moments
- Shreyas Iyer’s Blitz: Iyer’s 30-ball fifty, including a reverse sweep and a paddle sweep for boundaries, shifted the momentum in India’s favor.
- Axar Patel’s Grit: Axar’s fifty under pressure, coupled with his economical bowling (1/47), earned him the Player of the Match award.
- England’s Collapse: From 75/0, England slumped to 111/4, losing key wickets to India’s spinners, which ultimately cost them the game.
Post-Match Reactions
Indian captain Rohit Sharma praised his team’s fighting spirit, especially the middle order’s ability to handle pressure. “Gill, Shreyas, and Axar showed great maturity. It’s a good start to the series, but we need to stay focused,” he said.
England’s skipper Jos Buttler rued the middle-order collapse but remained optimistic. “We started well, but lost our way in the middle overs. Credit to India’s spinners for putting us under pressure. We’ll come back stronger in the next game.”
Looking Ahead
With India taking a 1-0 lead, the action now shifts to the second ODI, scheduled for February 9 in Pune. England will be eager to bounce back, while India will aim to seal the series with another dominant performance.
Brief Scores:
England: 248 all out in 47.4 overs (Jos Buttler 52, Phil Salt 43; Harshit Rana 2/26, Axar Patel 1/47)
India: 251/6 in 38.4 overs (Shubman Gill 87, Shreyas Iyer 59, Axar Patel 50; Adil Rashid 2/45)
Result: India won by 4 wickets.
Player of the Match: Axar Patel.
