A dominant middle-order performance from Shubman Gill, Shreyas Iyer, and Axar Patel guided India to a comfortable four-wicket victory over England at the Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium on Thursday.
Despite an early wobble with the loss of both openers, India’s chase was steered back on track by Gill, who played a stylish knock under pressure, showing his ability to handle tough conditions. Iyer followed with a brilliant counter-attacking innings, striking key boundaries to shift the momentum in India’s favor. Axar Patel then ensured that the chase remained on course, contributing with a crucial fifty.
India comfortably crossed the target with 11.2 overs to spare, thanks to the solid contributions from the middle-order. The trio’s resilience and aggressive approach made light work of the target after the early setbacks, keeping the pressure on England throughout the chase.
Earlier, a clinical bowling performance from India, led by Ravindra Jadeja and debutant Harshit Rana, helped the hosts restrict England to a manageable total of 248.
England got off to a flying start after being asked to bat first, with Phil Salt taking an aggressive approach. The opener looked in ominous form, racing to 43 off just 26 balls as he dispatched the Indian bowlers to all parts of the ground. However, a mix-up in the middle led to his dismissal, abruptly halting England’s momentum.
Captain Jos Buttler attempted to steady the innings, crafting a solid half-century (52), while young Jacob Bethell played an enterprising knock of 51, utilizing innovative strokes to counter the spinners. Despite their promising contributions, both batters failed to push on, falling soon after reaching their milestones. Jofra Archer chipped in with an unbeaten 21 towards the end.
For India, debutant Harshit Rana endured a nervy start but quickly found his rhythm, picking up three crucial wickets to mark an impressive debut. Meanwhile, the experienced Ravindra Jadeja showcased his mastery once again, weaving a web around England’s middle order with his impeccable accuracy and variations, finishing with outstanding figures of 3 for 26.
England (Playing XI): Ben Duckett, Phil Salt, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Jos Buttler (C), Liam Livingstone, Jacob Bethell, Brydon Carse, Jofra Archer, Adil Rashid, Saqib Mahmood.
India (Playing XI): Rohit Sharma (C), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shreyas Iyer, Shubman Gill, KL Rahul (wk), Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Ravindram Jadeja, Harshit Rana, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Shami.
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