Source The Hindu
BIRMINGHAM — In a thrilling display of composure and firepower, India kicked off their ODI leg of the UK tour with a clinical six-wicket victory over England at Edgbaston. Driven by an exceptional all-round performance from Axar Patel and a majestic, captain’s knock from Shubman Gill, the visitors chased down England’s total of 258 with more than four overs to spare to take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.
The Spin Web and an English Recovery
Earlier in the day, English skipper Harry Brook won the toss and elected to bat. The hosts made a promising start, coasting comfortably at 61 without loss. However, the introduction of India’s bowling changes turned the tide completely. A sudden, catastrophic collapse saw the Three Lions lose six wickets for a mere 46 runs, finding themselves tottering at a precarious 107 for 6 by the 22nd over.
Pacers Prasidh Krishna (2/50) and young debutant Gurnoor Brar (2/61) dealt double blows in quick succession, while seasoned speedster Jasprit Bumrah kept things incredibly tight, claiming his 150th ODI wicket in the process.
Just as the match threatened to wrap up early, former captain Joe Root and a gritty Liam Dawson steadied the ship. The duo orchestrated a phenomenal counter-attacking, 121-run partnership for the seventh wicket. Dawson played a career-best hand of 68, while Root anchored the innings beautifully with a masterful, unbeaten 76 off 76 balls.
Once the partnership was broken, Axar Patel ran through the tail. The left-arm spinner finished with standout figures of 4 for 62, limiting England to 258 all out in 47.5 overs.
Gill Sets the Foundation Before the Cramps Strike
Chasing 259, India faced an early setback when veterans Rohit Sharma (11) and Virat Kohli (5) fell cheaply to the new ball. With the scoreboard reading a nervous 48 for 2, Shubman Gill took absolute command of the chase.
Continuing his love affair with Edgbaston, the young Indian skipper unfurled a sequence of breathtaking cover drives and authoritative pulls. Alongside Shreyas Iyer (35), Gill built a commanding 101-run partnership to put India firmly in the driver’s seat. Gill was cruising toward a well-deserved 10th ODI century, smashing 11 fours and a six in a blistering 75-ball 80. However, a severe bout of hamstring and calf cramps unfortunately forced him to retire hurt.
The All-Rounders Bring It Home
Gill’s forced departure triggered a minor collapse. Shreyas Iyer was run out after a misjudged cross-pitch sprint, and KL Rahul was quickly cleaned up by Josh Tongue for just 1. Suddenly, India’s comfortable cruise turned into a tricky situation at 160 for 4.
Enter the all-rounders. Axar Patel, carrying the momentum from his four-wicket haul, joined forces with Washington Sundar. Soaking up the initial pressure from a hostile spell by Jofra Archer, the duo capitalized heavily against England’s sparse spin options.
Both batters reached stellar half-centuries in an unbroken 102-run stand. Axar finished unbeaten on 57 off 52 balls, while Sundar capped off the game in style, launching a signature six off Adil Rashid to finish on 52 not out and secure the win with 28 balls left.
“Seeing the middle and lower order contribute with the bat gives me a lot of confidence, both as a captain and as a top-order batter,” a pleased Shubman Gill stated post-match.
For his exceptional display with both ball and bat, Axar Patel was rightly adjudged the Player of the Match. The teams will now head to Sophia Gardens in Cardiff for the second ODI on Thursday, July 16.
Match Summary
England: 258 all out in 47.5 overs (Joe Root 76*, Liam Dawson 68; Axar Patel 4/62, Prasidh Krishna 2/50)
India: 262/4 in 45.2 overs (Shubman Gill 80 ret. hurt, Axar Patel 57*, Washington Sundar 52*; Jofra Archer 1/60)
Result: India won by 6 wickets (Leads 3-match series 1-0)
