India kicked off their 2025 T20I campaign in style with a resounding seven-wicket win over England in the first match of the series at the iconic Eden Gardens. Abhishek Sharma stole the show with a scintillating 79 off just 34 balls, setting the stage for India’s emphatic chase.
Chasing a modest target, Abhishek showcased his aggressive intent from the outset. The left-hander unleashed a flurry of boundaries, taking full advantage of early reprieves as England’s fielders faltered. His audacious strokeplay, capped by a majestic six to bring up his half-century, left the crowd in awe.
Abhishek Sharma weaving magic and how! 🪄
Follow The Match ▶️ https://t.co/4jwTIC5zzs #TeamIndia | #INDvENG | @IamAbhiSharma4 | @IDFCFIRSTBank pic.twitter.com/5xhtG6IN1F
— BCCI (@BCCI) January 22, 2025
Though his luck eventually ran out when he tried to loft Adil Rashid but found Harry Brook at long-off, Abhishek’s innings had already tilted the game firmly in India’s favor. Hardik Pandya and the composed Tilak Varma steered India home with ease, wrapping up the chase with more than seven overs to spare.
𝗔 𝗱𝗼𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘀𝗵𝗼𝘄 𝗮𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗘𝗱𝗲𝗻 𝗚𝗮𝗿𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘀! 💪 💪#TeamIndia off to a flying start in the T20I series, sealing a 7⃣-wicket win! 👏 👏
Follow The Match ▶️ https://t.co/4jwTIC5zzs#INDvENG | @IDFCFIRSTBank pic.twitter.com/hoUcLWCEIP
— BCCI (@BCCI) January 22, 2025
Earlier, Arshdeep Singh delivered a stellar start for India, dismissing both England openers early and becoming the leading wicket-taker for India in T20Is. His fiery opening spell set the tone, and the baton was picked up by Varun Chakravarthy, who dismantled England’s middle order. Chakravarthy’s magical over saw him bowl out Harry Brook and Liam Livingstone, leaving England reeling.
Despite Jos Buttler’s resilient half-century, India’s spinners proved too strong. Chakravarthy returned to dismiss the England captain, capping off an exceptional bowling performance. England was bowled out for a modest 132, with India’s spin duo stealing the show in a commanding display of skill and control.
Arshdeep Singh rewrote history with his blistering pace at the iconic Eden Gardens by becoming India’s leading wicket-taker in the men’s T20I format. In 61 matches, Arshdeep has scythed 97 scalps at an average of 17.83 while giving away runs at an economy of 8.25.
India (Playing XI): Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson(w), Tilak Varma, Suryakumar Yadav(c), Hardik Pandya, Rinku Singh, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Axar Patel, Ravi Bishnoi, Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakravarthy
England (Playing XI): Ben Duckett, Philip Salt(w), Jos Buttler(c), Harry Brook, Liam Livingstone, Jacob Bethell, Jamie Overton, Gus Atkinson, Jofra Archer, Adil Rashid, Mark Wood