Team India took huge advantage of their home conditions as they romped to a seven-wicket victory over England in the first T20I on Wednesday at Eden Gardens. Indian spinners Varun Chakaravarthy and Axar Patel made good use of the conditions, taking three and two wickets respectively.
England, on the other hand, appeared to be under utter pressure, with their batters failing to give the team a strong start after being put into bat. England were folded for 132 in 20 overs, with skipper Jos Buttler being the top-scorer, slamming 68 off 44. Buttler’s splendid innings failed to save England from recording an embarrassing defeat.
India, in their chase, were incredibly aggressive with Abhishek Sharma launching a brutal assault on England bowlers with a gutsy 79-run knock off 34. His enthralling innings included five boundaries and eight sixes. Following India’s fiery approach, former Indian cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar lauded team’s efforts.
“Loving this from New India! No fear cricket. No fascination for individual 50s etc. Selfless cricketer always a dangerous cricketer in T20s. #INDvENGonJioStar,” Manjrekar wrote on his X account.
With the victory, India lead the five-match series 1-0 and the second T20I will be held on Saturday at MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai.