At the grand opening at Eden Gardens, Kolkata, India defeated England with 7 wickets and 43 balls remaining in the opening T20I of five matches. Opting for the first innings, India reduced England to 132, thanks to a brilliant bowling performance led by Varun Chakraborty and Arshdeep Singh. In response, Abhishek SharmaA blistering 79 off 34 balls ensured India chased down the target in just 12.5 overs. This convincing win gives India an early lead in the series and highlights their potential.
Varun Chakravarthy's magic is football
India's decision to bowl the first charge when Arshdeep took it out Phil Salt and Ben Duckett in quick succession. The highlight of the match was Chakravarthy's spellbinding bowling. He took 3 wickets for 23 runs, including a key header Harry Brook and Liam Livingstone in the same way. Chakravarthy's guile and accuracy left England's midfield struggling, as they struggled to get up to speed after a steady start. If Butlerwho top scored with 68 off 44 balls and eventually fell to Varun. England's innings offered little resistance, a mere 132 overs.
Abhishek Sharma hit England
India's chase started slowly, but Abhishek turned it into a one-man show. Opening on the side Sanju SamsonSharma smashed 79 runs in just 34 overs, including two fours and eight fours. His 20-year-old half-century made a statement for his quick finish. When Samson gave 26 above, and Tilak Varma ensuring that there was no problem with 19 unbeaten, it was Abhishek's fearless approach against the England pacers, especially. Jofra Archer and Mark Woodwhich defines the innings. His clean hitting was a crowd pleaser, and he was deservedly named Player of the Match.
Also SEE: Varun Chakravarthy shocks England by removing Harry Brook and Liam Livingstone at the same time | IND vs ENG 2025, 1st T20I
Clinical bowling and physical fitness show India's dominance in Kolkata
The Indian bowling team achieved their goals perfectly. Arshdeep's early success is Hardik PandyaA crucial strike in the middle overs ensured that England did not get the momentum they needed. Axar Patel and Ravi Bishnoi kept things tight, Patel took two more wickets. A trial run, including the firing of Samson to get rid of him Mark Woodincreased the efforts of the bowlers. All in all, India's performance showed their readiness for the series, leaving England with a lot to ponder ahead of the second T20I.
Here's how Twitter did it:
Abhishek Sharma doesn't care about trends. Speed ββcomes and goes. Unbelievable talent. He reminds me of his mentor Yuvraj Singh.
– M (@angrypakistan) January 22, 2025
India's best version is T20.. they have amazing team of players.. #INDvsENG
β Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) January 22, 2025
Indian spinners were good today and I like the way Suryakumar Yadav used them. He was happy to give his three players the upper hand. And the bowlers supported the bowlers well. England's old weakness against spin was exploited to good effect.
– Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) January 22, 2025
Big knock on Abhi Sharma.. great way to answer when your location is being asked !! Love the character they showed the boys!! πͺπΎ
– Robbie Uthappa (@robbieuthappa) January 22, 2025
I can't draw a T20 side without Abhishek Sharma, he is so, so good. On the other hand, I would love to see him develop into a professional cricketer. His first-class average may not look good, but I'm sure the numbers will improve in the coming seasons. #INVENG
– Amartya Sinha (@theamartyasinha) January 22, 2025
In test cricket, you need batsmen who produce value on their wicket. In T20 cricket, you often favor batsmen who don't put a price on their wicket, as Abhishek showed again today.#INVENG
– Hemant (@hemantbuch) January 22, 2025
India coast home with 7 wickets in just 12.5 overs, thanks to Abhishek Sharma's brilliant 79 off just 34. #INVENG
– ThePoppingCrease (@PoppingCreaseSA) January 22, 2025
India's T20I side is exciting. Just look for fun. Have fun. Go home.
– Silly Point (@FarziCricketer) January 22, 2025
Well played kid. Best knock in his short career. More from Abhishek.
– Saurabh Malhotra (@MalhotraSaurabh) January 22, 2025
I love this from New India! No fear cricket. No interest in personal 50s etc.
Selfless cricket is always dangerous in T20s.πππ #INDvENGonJioStarβ Sanjay Manjrekar (@sanjaymanjrekar) January 22, 2025
Impressive knock from Abhishek Sharma π#cricket #INVENG #T20I #AbhishekSharma pic.twitter.com/BraKTJcpyk
– CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) January 22, 2025
ππ‘ππ¬π’π§π°π π°π’ππ‘ emma. π#INVENG #PunjabKings pic.twitter.com/Pj4x1RXp5z
– Punjab Kings (@PunjabKingsIPL) January 22, 2025