IND vs ENG 1st T20I Match Highlights:
On Wednesday, January 22, a historic clash unfolded at Kolkata's Eden Gardens, where the Indian cricket team triumphed over England by a commanding 7-wicket victory. Under the captaincy of Suryakumar Yadav, the Indian team chased down the target within just 12.5 overs.
This was the inaugural match of the five-match T20 series between India and England. With this resounding victory, India has taken a 1-0 lead in the series. Notably, this was the first T20 match in cricket history between India and England without the famed appearances of Virat Kohli or Rohit Sharma.
In a groundbreaking match, Team India secured an emphatic win against England without its star players, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. The victory marks the start of the series on a high note for India.
First T20 Face-off with England Without Kohli-Sharma
The first T20 match between India and England without the participation of Kohli and Sharma took place at this event, a first since their debut in T20 international fixtures during the 2007 World Cup.
Spectacular Fifty by Abhishek Sharma in Just 20 Balls
This was the first match between India and England across any format post the World Cup. England posted a 133-run target, which India chased down with 3 wickets in hand within 12.5 overs. The match accolades go to Abhishek Sharma, Arshdeep Singh, and Varun Chakravarthy. Opener Abhishek Sharma struck a formidable fifty in just 20 balls.
At the Kolkata T20 match, Abhishek amassed a total of 79 runs from 34 balls, smashing 8 sixes and 5 fours. He, alongside Tilak Varma who scored 19, formed a crucial 84-run partnership off 42 balls. Jofra Archer was the only successful bowler for England, claiming both dismissals.
Dominant Performance by Varun and Arshdeep Overpowers England
England struggled right from the start after losing the toss and being sent to bat first. Arshdeep Singh wreaked havoc on the English batsmen, claiming Phil Salt in the first over and Ben Duckett through a stunning catch by Rinku Singh in the third. England stumbled to 17 for 2 before captain Jos Buttler steadied the ship, propelling the score past 50. However, Varun Chakravarthy swiftly turned the tide by dismissing Harry Brook and Liam Livingstone for only 65 runs.
Amidst the chaos, Buttler managed a half-century from 34 balls but was dismissed after scoring 68 from 44 deliveries. Seven of England's batsmen faltered below double-digits, culminating in England being bowled out for 132. With Varun claiming 3 wickets, Arshdeep, Hardik Pandya, and Axar Patel each secured 2 wickets, ensuring India's dominance.
India's Unyielding Edge Over England
Historically, India has consistently outperformed England in T20 matches. Of the 25 matches played so far, India has emerged victorious in 14 while England succeeded in 11. The numbers highlight India's prowess whenever the two face-off in T20 cricket.
India-England T20 Head-to-Head
Total Matches: 25India Won: 14England Won: 11
Playing XI in Kolkata T20 Encounter
India:
Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson (Wicketkeeper), Tilak Varma, Suryakumar Yadav, Hardik Pandya, Rinku Singh, Nitish Reddy, Axar Patel, Ravi Bishnoi, Varun Chakravarthy, Arshdeep Singh.
England:
Ben Duckett, Phil Salt (Wicketkeeper), Jos Buttler (Captain), Harry Brook, Liam Livingstone, Jacob Bethell, Jamie Overton, Gus Atkinson, Jofra Archer, Adil Rashid, Mark Wood.
